Poultney Mettowee Basin Plan

Prepared in Accordance with 10 V.S.A. § 1253(d), The Vermont Water Quality Standards, The Federal Clean Water Act and CFR 130.6

March, 2005

Vision for the Poultney Mettowee Basin by 2010

ithin the next five years, the Poultney assessment information. Once project stabilization sites program for landowners, contractors, and municipalities Mettowee basin will see an increase in the have been identified and designed, project managers that are about to embark on construction projects. These Wnumber of agricultural operators who enroll will install stable channel design treatments to reduce programs will cover erosion and sediment control plans, in federal cost share programs and/or conservation pro- over-widened reaches of rivers (especially the Mettowee necessary permits, and technical assistance that is avail- grams that will sustain the working landscape. Related River); stabilize riverbanks; and restore cooler water able for such projects. To assist towns with stormwater to this will be an increase in the number of non-struc- temperature. issues, the Department of Environmental Conservation tural agricultural best management practices (BMPs) in During the next five years, the Vermont Department Stormwater Program will assist 10 towns in the basin the basin. To support this effort, the Poultney Mettowee of Environmental Conservation Rivers Management with development of Multi-Sector General Permit plans. Natural Resource Conservation District hopes to expand Program will assist with Phase 1, 2, and 3 geomorphic To improve public awareness regarding water qual- the Nutrient Management Program for agricultural assessments in sub-basins throughout the watershed to ity conditions in the Poultney Mettowee basin, the operators in the basin. Livestock will be fenced out from identify conservation reaches and areas of restoration. Partnership, in cooperation with the University of surface waters on medium and large farm operations This will allow river managers to assess fluvial and Vermont’s Watershed Alliance and the Vermont throughout the Poultney Mettowee basin by the year ecological responses to restoration efforts. Comparisons Department of Environmental Conservation, will estab- 2008. The Poultney Mettowee Watershed Partnership, will then be made with reference and pre-treatment data lish a public web-based database of long-term water herein will also be referred to as “the Partnership.” It to assess the success of restorations. Land along ripar- quality monitoring data on basin waters that provides includes federal, state, and local agencies and orga- ian corridors will be purchased by a land conservation accurate and timely information. To support this web- nizations that make up the Board of Directors. It will organization or placed under a conservation easement based resource, the Partnership will develop an ongo- increase the linear miles of riparian buffer planting and for river corridor protection. ing protocol for processing and notification of water streambank stabilization practices that will conserve quality sampling results. Partners will increase the additional riparian areas along the Mettowee riparian Implementation of the Poultney Mettowee Basin Plan number of water quality improvement projects in the corridor and Flower Brook, a tributary to the Mettowee. will reduce nonpoint source pollution by several means, Poultney Mettowee Basin funded through Supplemental The Partnership will increase awareness of the benefits including education and outreach. Within 5 years, the Environmental Project funds (VTDEC enforcement of buffers for riparian landowners during this time. The Poultney Mettowee Watershed Partnership will host action and penalties). To promote water quality educa- Partners will seek funds to implement the Conservation additional Better Backroads and Vtrans workshops with tion and awareness in the Poultney Mettowee basin, the Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP and CRP) for town highway managers and crews in each major river Poultney Mettowee Watershed Partnership will install basin landowners and sign up an additional 300 acres. basin (Poultney, Castleton, Hubbardton, and Mettowee). additional new kiosk signs about water quality issues. In response to losses in the working landscape in the Town road crews will conduct back road assessments Poultney Mettowee basin, the agricultural community using AOT/ANR Bridge and Culvert protocols. This To address the issue of aquatic nuisance species in would also like to increase access of regional agriculture will target bridges and culverts in need of replacement the basin, the Water Quality Division of the Vermont producers to regional markets. More effort will be made and/ or repair during the next 10 years. Department of Environmental Conservation will initiate to ensure that old farms are made available to new farm- Urban best management practice workshops will be Exotic Species Watch programs with or through major ers first through the Land Link Program. held for municipal officials and residents in the water- lake and pond associations. To address the issue of river instability in the shed over the next five years. Towns will work with In summary, the implementation of this Water Quality Poultney Mettowee basin, the Vermont Department the Rutland Regional Planning Commission to expand Management Plan will both protect high quality waters of Environmental Conservation–Rivers Management the language in town plans or zoning that promotes and improve those waters affected by pollution. Program, in close cooperation with the Partnership, increased protection of water resources in each town. will complete Phase 1 geomorphic assessments for Specifically, planners hope to strengthen riparian cor- each major river system and significant tributaries. ridor protection language in town plans and zoning Strategically located sites will be selected for restoration regulations for towns in the Poultney Mettowee Basin. and protection based on Phase 1, 2, and 3 geomorphic The Partnership will create an outreach and education

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 1 THE SPELLING OF Executive Summary problems that they have identified. The planning METTOWEE VS. METTAWEE process facilitates this collaborative effort. basin plan provides an overview of the health The most prevalent concerns in the community and the VS. METAWEE (SIC) of water quality and aquatic habitat in a waterwater-- strategies for their remediation are outlined in Chapter The Vermont Department of Libraries acknowl- Ashed and a description of the ongoing process of 4 of this basin plan. The concerns and strategies have edges that this debate is long-standing. According basin or watershed planning. In the basin planning pro- been developed through extensive public input. The cess, the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) engages to their fi les, the last correspondence from 1974-75 concerns are listed here in the order that they appear in the public and other agencies in a collaborative effort to Chapter 4 of this basin plan: inquires into the spelling of the name of the river maintain and improve surface water quality in the basin. and its valley. The USGS topography maps have • Nonpoint Source Pollution The basin plan for the Poultney and Mettowee River listed the spelling with an “a” for more than a • Stream Channel Adjustment Processes watersheds addresses the prevalent concerns regarding century. The fourth report of the US Board of Geo- certain priority surface waters. Local concerns were • Landfills and Salvage Yards graphic Names issued in 1916 covering the time pe- ranked and strategies developed to address them. In • Pathogens riod 1890-1916, lists the decision and in parentheses addition, projects were implemented during the plan- says “(Not Mettowee)”. At some time between ning process. The strategies in the plan will assist • Thermal Modification groups, agencies, and organizations in deciding where 1893 and 1941, the US Board of Geographic Names • Fisheries issued a decision which confi rmed the spelling with to focus their resources and where to find resources. an “a” – Mettawee. At last check, the Vermont The plan also includes a proposal for establishing man- • Aquatic Nuisance Species agement goals for surface waters. Department of Libraries was looking for an actual • Flow and Water Level Fluctuation Sediment and nutrient enrichment are the major causes copy of this decision to see if it includes any source • Nutrient Enrichment and Sedimentation information. of the habitat problems along the streams of the watershed (DEC, 1999). The major factors that create • Loss of the Working Landscape (farm and forestland) According to USGS, it’s spelled with an “a.” sedimentation and nutrient enrichment in the Poultney • Public Outreach and Education Mettowee is listed as a variant. However, Mettowee basin include land runoff from several land local knowledge would suggest otherwise. The uses (including agriculture, roadways, residential, and • Lakeshore Protection and Recreational Issues Poultney Mettowee Watershed Partnership spells industrial uses), the loss of riparian vegetation, stream- The remediation strategies to address these concerns bank erosion, and municipal wastewater facilities. Mettowee with an “o;” the Poultney Mettowee presented in Chapter 4 are based on work that is either Thermal modification (i.e., a direct consequence from Natural Resource Conservation District spells Met- currently underway or will be addressed through the loss of riparian vegetation) and pathogens affect the towee with an “o;” and there are nurseries, health programs and projects developed by the Agency of third and fourth greatest number of miles. Streambank Natural Resources, the Poultney Mettowee Watershed care centers, granges, and other businesses that destabilization and loss of riparian vegetation are a Partnership, and other federal, state, and local partners. spell it with an “o.” In fact, if you drive down Route consequence of historic channel and flood plain man- Implementation of these strategies will address the 30, you’d be hard-pressed to fi nd a spelling with agement practices to accommodate not only agricultural greatest sources of impacts to water quality in the basin. an “a.” The Dictionary of American Naval Fighting land use but land development and transportation infra- Chapter 5 lists specific waters that the Agency of Ships lists the USS Mettawee (AOG-17) as having structure encroachments in riparian areas as well. Natural Resources has identified as having water qual- been christened from an Indian-named river in Basin planning is one means of addressing water ity problems. They are either clearly in violation of Washington County, N.Y. It should be noted that quality and water resource problems. Its effectiveness the Vermont Water Quality Standards or in need of it is very diffi cult to do exacting research on the depends on the willingness of the local community, further assessment to determine the degree of the prob- origins of names, especially when translated from a landowners, and State and federal entities to undertake lem. Through the basin planning process, strategies projects that will enhance or protect water quality. The Native American language. Due to its local usage, have been developed that leverage existing resources potential successes are based on the assumption that if from State and federal agencies and the community to this plan uses the spelling “Mettowee.” given the means, people will work together to resolve

2 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan improve or better understand water quality problems in LIST OF FIGURES these specific waters. Figure 1. Map of 17 Major River Basins in Vermont 7 Chapter 6 describes the different processes of setting goals for the management of specific surface waters. Figure 2. The Poultney River Watershed 9 Once the goals are established, the Agency of Natural Figure 3. The Mettowee River Watershed 12 Resources will conserve or restore water quality and uses to attain the management goals. Figure 4. Principal Mettowee Tributaries 13 Processes for setting goals can include the designation Figure 5. Lake St. Catherine Lay Monitoring Graph 26 of water quality classes and management types, warm Figure 6. Erosion Sites on the Mettowee River and or cold water fisheries, and Outstanding Resource Flower Brook (VT) where Riparian Buffer is Absent 32 Waters as well as the determination of existing uses. Once adopted, these goals become part of the Agency’s Figure 7. Five Stages of Channel Evolution 42 review of activities regulated under State and federal The “Mettowee“ Valley Grange (#373) in Pawlet, Vermont law. As part of the Agency of Natural Resources’ obligations LIST OF TABLES under the Vermont Water Quality Standards, Chapter 6 includes the Agency’s proposal to establish new man- Table 1. Current Status of Agriculture in Rutland 13 agement goals through the reclassification of Class County B waters. The Agency’s proposal designates Class B Table 2. Use Support Status of Basin 2 Lake Acres 18 waters into management types B1, B2 or B3. The map listed under Appendix C includes waters where goals Table 3. Water Withdrawals – in gallons per day 21 for surrounding land use in town or government agency Table 4. The six most prevalent sources of surface plans are compatible with goals for B1 waters. The water quality problems in Basin 2 24 Agency also proposes B2 designation for all the remaining Class B waters. There are no B3 water management Table 5. Waters altered by exotic species in the types proposed for the Poultney Mettowee basin. Poultney Mettowee Basin 27 Within the next five years, the Agency of Natural Table 6. Summary of Previous and On-going Resources will focus its efforts on the implementation Physical, Chemical, and Biological Assessments of of this basin plan in collaboration with the community the Poultney Mettowee Watershed 34 and other State or federal agencies. The next basin plan Table 7. Impaired Waters in the Poultney will document work completed and address any new Mettowee Basin 65 issues that have emerged. Table 8. Waters in Need of Further Assessment 68 Table 9. Existing Uses in the Poultney Mettowee Basin 73

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 3 Table of Contents Chapter 1 Introduction 6 Report (VTDEC) • Using Different Forms of Media 1.1 The Purpose of the Basin Plan • A Classifi cation of the Aquatic • Lakeshore Protection Communities of Vermont (VTDEC– and the Basin Planning Process 6 4.5 Specifi c Waters of Concern 65 Biomonitoring and Aquatic Studies 1.2 Planning on a Watershed Level 6 Section, 1998) • Strategies for Impaired Waters 1.3 Addressing Water Quality Conditions 6 • Poultney River Riparian Habitat • Local Waters of Concern, 1.4 The Planning Process as a and Geomorphic Assessment including Waters in Need of Further Assessment Collaborative Undertaking 7 • Hubbardton River Restoration 1.5 Partners in the Poultney Mettowee Project–EPA Freshwater Initiative Chapter 5 Establishing Goals for River Basin Planning Process 7 • Mettowee River and Flower Brook High Quality Waters 70 1.6 Use of this Plan 8 Geomorphic Assessment 5.1 Typing and Classifi cation 70 Chapter 4 Goals for Surface Waters 38 Chapter 2 Description of the 5.2 Warm Water and Cold Water Poultney Mettowee Basin 9 4.1 Improving Water Quality 39 Designations 72 2.1 Physical Description (including • Nonpoint Source Pollution 5.3 Existing Uses 72 historical context) 9 • Stream Channel Adjustment 5.4 Designated Uses 2.2 Land Use 12 Processes 5.5 Outstanding Resource Waters 73 2.3 Water-based Resources 17 • Landfi ll Assessment 5.6 Recommendations for Further Chapter 3 Water Quality Conditions • Pathogens Action 73 and Initiatives in the Basin 23 4.2 Aquatic Habitat Restoration and Other Natural Resource Chapter 6 Implementation of the Plan 74 3.1 General Water Quality Conditions in Enhancements 49 • Process for Monitoring and the Poultney Mettowee Watershed 23 • Thermal Modifi cation Evaluation 3.2 Important Local Water Quality • The Effective Implementation of Initiatives and Activities 30 • Fisheries (Whirling Disease, Alewives, Brown Trout Decline) the Basin Plan (The condition of • Poultney Mettowee Watershed waters in the basin in 5 years Partnership Goals and related • Aquatic Nuisance Species given successful implementation) Water Quality Initiatives • Flow and Water Level Regulation • Progress Reporting • Local Water Quality Activities 4.3 Conserving the Soil and Water References 75 3.3 Assessments Used to Identify and Resources of Agricultural Land 57 Rank Water Quality Conditions 33 • Nutrient Enrichment and Glossary 77 Sedimentation • Poultney Mettowee Watershed List of Acronyms Partnership Public Attitudes • Loss of the Working Landscape Survey Used in this Document 78 4.4 Improving Public Outreach, • Basin 2 Water Quality and Education, and Awareness 61 Aquatic Habitat Assessment • Public Attitudes Survey

4 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan Statutory Index – (Including MOU’s, Collabora- tive Programs used in the Basin Planning Process) APPENDIX A: Public Participation Process Used in Development of the Plan APPENDIX B: Regulatory and Non-regulatory Programs That Contain BMPs Applicable to Protecting and Restoring Waters Within the Basin Including Recent and Anticipated DECActions APPENDIX C: Classification and Typing Maps of Poultney Mettowee River Basin APPENDIX D: Description Of Proposed B1 Waters in the Basin APPENDIX E: River Management Program Alternatives Analysis APPENDIX F: List of Rare, Threatened and En- dangered Species in the Poultney Mettowee River Basin APPENDIX G: Partners in the Poultney Mettowee River Basin Planning Process APPENDIX H: 10 V.S.A. § 1424a Outstanding Resource Waters APPENDIX I: Review of Municipal and Regional Plans APPENDIX J: Anticipated Expanded Municipal and Industrial Waste Treatment Works and Needs Including Facilities to Treat Combined Sewer Overflows APPENDIX K: Agricultural Plan for the Poultney Mettowee Basin APPENDIX L: Impaired Waters APPENDIX M: Waters in Need of Further Assessment An unvegetated stretch of the Mettowee River in Pawlet

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 5 Chapter 1 Introduction

1.1 The Purpose of the Basin Plan and goals for surface waters and a public ranking process the Basin Planning Process to identify and restore waters that are in violation, or may be in violation of Vermont Water Quality Standards WHAT IS A WATERSHED? The basin plan provides an overview of the watershed’s (Vermont Water Resources Board, 2000). The basin health and a description of the ongoing steps to restore planning process also seeks to identify and provide a A watershed, or basin, is a distinct, topographi- and protect waters. In the basin planning process, the framework for the protection of high quality waters. cally deﬁ ned, land area that drains into a single Poultney Mettowee Watershed Partnership (PMWP) in cooperation with the Vermont Agency of Natural 1.2 Planning on a Watershed Level river, river system, or standing body of water. Resources (ANR) collaborates with the public and other Because rivers join to become larger rivers, many The watershed of a river is the entire area that drains agencies to maintain and improve surface water quality into the river either through channelized flow or surface watersheds may be considered sub-watersheds in the basin. runoff from the surrounding land. A watershed plan of larger watersheds. As one would expect, the Basin planning is not new to the Poultney Mettowee considers all contributing sources of surface water to activities taking place in a watershed play a Watershed. A Comprehensive Water Quality any one waterbody in the watershed. critical role in the quality of water draining from Management Plan was developed for the Poultney Collaborative planning to improve or maintain water it. The watershed is a good ecological unit to ad- Mettowee Basin in 1975. In addition, the Poultney quality has been conducted at a watershed level since dress water quality management goals because Mettowee Natural Resource Conservation District the 1960s. The State has been divided into seventeen it is based on topography instead of traditional (PMNRCD) has been engaging in water quality protec- basins for this purpose (see Figure 1). Some of the tion activities in the basin since 1940. The Vermont political boundaries. However, it is also for this basins include the watershed of more than one major Water Resources Board adopted a management plan body of water such as in Basin 2, which includes the reason that it poses particular challenges for for the Lower Poultney River following its designation Poultney and Mettowee River watersheds. In six of the coordinating action at the local level. All of the as an Outstanding Resource Water in 1992. Recently, basins, there is only one major river, such as Basin 9 water within the Poultney Mettowee Basin drains the Lake Champlain Basin Program’s Opportunities (White River) and its tributaries. The Agency of Natural into Lake Champlain, making the entire basin a for Action has identified water quality problems and Resources, also referred to as the Agency, is responsible component of the larger Lake Champlain Basin. developed strategies to address these problems for all for preparing basin plans for each of the 17 major river priority sub-watersheds of the Lake Champlain Basin, When referring to the state designated major basins and updating them every five years. including the Poultney Mettowee watershed. The river basin, the plan will refer to the Poultney Poultney Mettowee Basin Assessment Report (DEC, 1.3 Identifying Water Quality Problems Mettowee basin. When referring to a speciﬁ c 1999) provides the baseline water quality and aquatic In Vermont, when water quality contaminants reach river and its tributaries, the plan will refer to the habitat information necessary for the development of unacceptable levels in particular surface waters, those watershed, as in the Mettowee River Watershed. this watershed management plan. waters no longer support uses that Vermonters under- The Basin Plan for the Poultney Mettowee Watershed stand to be beneficial. The Vermont Water Quality addresses the community’s most prevalent concerns Standards are intended to protect and enhance the qual- regarding surface waters. The basin planning process ity, character and usefulness of surface waters and to identifies local concerns regarding water quality, uses, ensure public health in that context (10 V.S.A. § 1250). and values. These local concerns were ranked and strat- Beneficial uses range from drinking water and recre- egies were developed to assist groups in focusing avail- ation to the support of aquatic biota. At times, with dif- able funding resources. In addition, projects are also fering preservation efforts for surface waters, diverse implemented during the planning process. multiple uses may be in conflict. The State and local cooperators must seek a balance among conflicting The Basin Plan fulfills federal and state requirements uses while sustaining each use in accordance with the and includes: a proposal for establishing management Standards.

6 PPoultneyoultney MMettoweeettowee WWatershedatershed BBasinasin PlPlanan 1.4 The Planning Process as a POULTNEY METTOWEE Collaborative Effort WATERSHED PARTNERSHIP Basin planning is conducted with local communities, The Poultney Mettowee Watershed Partnership state and federal governments, and private organizations because Vermont’s water quality problems are, for the began in 1998 when the two conservation dis- most part, the result of diffuse runoff from dispersed tricts working in the watershed got together with activities on the land. Such runoff can be generalized respective planning organizations (the Rutland and referred to as nonpoint source pollution. Regional Planning Commission in Vermont and the Water quality protection cannot depend on State and Lake George/ Lake Champlain Regional Planning Federal regulations to stem the innumerable pollut- Board in New York) to talk about working togeth- ants. Clean water depends on the interest and voluntary er. For years, both districts, while sharing similar involvement of all residents of the watershed. Vermont goals, had worked independently on opposite already has more than 65 watershed and river groups sides of the two rivers, which in many places form as well as many local and regional organizations (such as Conservation Districts and Regional Planning the boundary between New York and Vermont. Commissions) that have been active in addressing water With some fi nancial help from the planning com- quality concerns. In the Poultney Mettowee watershed, missions and the Lake Champlain Byways Program, 1 Batten Kill, Walloomsac, Hoosic there are hundreds of landowners working to manage some early mailings were sent to stakeholders in 12 Deerfi eld 17 Lake Memphremagog their lands to conserve Vermont’s waters. Basin plan- 7 Lamoille the watershed, public forums were conducted, 13 Lower Connecticut ning can support their efforts by providing technical and 6 Mississquoi and enough information was gathered to help the 5 Northern Lake Champlain financial assistance. Through documentation of com- 10 Ottauquechee, Black districts fi nd common ground for joint projects. An 3 Otter Creek, Little Otter Creek, munity-voiced problems and solutions, funds can be Lewis Creek application to the Lake Champlain Basin Program 15 Passumpic leveraged and resources directed toward the priorities of 2 Poultney, Mettowee 4 Southern Lake Champlain local communities and landowners. provided the fi rst (and follow-up) year of funding 14 Stevens, Wells, Waits, Ompompanoosuc 16 Upper Connecticut for a watershed coordinator, and the Partnership 11 West, Williams, Saxtons A fundamental benefit of a collaborative approach is 9 White actively began working as a bi-state program. 8 Winooski the sharing of information among resource agencies, groups, and individual citizens. In addition, the involve- The Poultney Mettowee Watershed Partnership Figure 1. Map of 17 Major River Basins in Vermont ment of the community in identifying problems and solutions increases public awareness of opportunities to is a project of the Poultney Mettowee Natural Impacts or threats to these protected uses are assessed promote and preserve water quality in the basin. Resources Conservation District in Vermont and the Washington County Soil and Water Conserva- by the Agency using chemical, physical, and biological 1.5 Partners in the Poultney Mettowee data, and best professional judgement. The residents of tion District in New York with funding provided River Basin Planning Process a basin also provide helpful information to the Agency by the Lake Champlain Basin Program. A steering by identifying problems on individual water bodies or A collaborative process in the Poultney Mettowee committee, made up of individuals and represen- general concerns. Basin began with the work of the Poultney Mettowee tatives of many different stakeholder groups in Watershed Partnership. The Partnership was formed The water quality problems addressed in the basin plan- the watershed, will make recommendations to the between the Poultney Mettowee Natural Resources ning process are based on information from ongoing Conservation Districts for management priorities Agency assessment and monitoring, and on local con- Conservation District in Vermont and the Washington and on-the-ground project activities. In 2000, the cerns that are identified during public forums. County Soil and Water Conservation District in New York with funding provided by the Lake Champlain Agency of Natural Resources located a Watershed Basin Program. Coordinator in the Poultney Mettowee Basin to

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 7 assist in the basin planning effort. At that time, The work of organizations and partnerships such as the Agency programs (described in Appendix B) will use additional effort was made to expand the Steering Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Fish the solutions or strategies in the plan to help guide deci- Committee to include other stakeholders to make and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy and the sions by the Agency regarding allotment of technical Poultney Mettowee Watershed Partnership with pri- and financial resources. In addition, Agency review the basin planning process as inclusive and repre- vate landowners should be encouraged and supported. of permit applications for potential impacts to water sentative as possible. The results of their work include, and will continue to resources is guided by the management goals for State The mission of the Poultney Mettowee Watershed include, stable streambanks, buffers of vegetation along surface waters adopted during the planning process. rivers and streams, conservation of agricultural soils, Partnership is to bring together the efforts of citi- It should be emphasized that although the basin plan- agricultural waste and nutrient management, public edu- ning process is governed by state and federal law and zens and organizations that share the common vi- cation, and the necessary technical assistance and sup- regulation, the process is foremost an organized effort sion of conserving, protecting, and enhancing the port of the farming community. for government agencies to work with local groups and natural and cultural resources of the watershed. 1.6 Use of this Plan individuals in the basin to restore impaired waters and For a complete list of collaborators in the Poultney protect waters of special importance. Together federal, The Basin Plan has many uses including: Mettowee Watershed Planning Process, please see state, and local governments and private organizations and citizens can solve problems, develop action plans, Appendix G. • It serves as a guidance document for collaborating partners, as well as any individual or group that works and forge partnerships to conserve and restore water The ﬁ ve goals of the Poultney Mettowee Water- on watershed issues. resources in the basin. shed Partnership are: • It serves as a guide for the Vermont Agency of • To improve water quality. Natural Resources (and other state and federal agencies) in its effort to protect and improve State waters • To enhance and interpret wildlife populations to the level required by the Vermont Water Quality and habitats and other natural resources. Standards.

• Maintain a healthy agricultural based economy • It serves as the platform for a petition to the Vermont Water Resources Board to classify waters to establish while protecting, restoring, and conserving the water quality management goals. soil and water resources of agricultural land. Groups will be able to use information in the plan for • To educate youth, educators, adults, residents, the following purposes: and visitors about conservation practices and • To improve understanding of the watershed and the environment around them. water-based resources. • To maintain and enhance agriculture-related • To develop project ideas related to water quality or and nature-based recreation opportunities. water resource improvements. • To identify technical or financial resources. • To identify the technical or financial need of potential Poultney Mettowee partners. Watershed Partnership • To support grant proposals. • To provide guidance to local and regional planning and zoning processes.

Sharp bend in the Mettowee River in Pawlet

8 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan Chapter 2 Description of the Poultney Mettowee River Basin

2.1 Physical Description scenic corridor with undeveloped shorelands. At twenty- two miles in length, the Lower Poultney River has one General Description of the longest segments of natural stream corridor of The Poultney Mettowee Basin encompasses an area of any stream in Vermont. Canoeing is excellent in this 373 square miles in portions of Addison, Rutland and segment, and provides natural habitat for a diversity of Bennington counties. The Poultney River originates in plants and animals. Directly north of the Delaware and the town of Tinmouth and flows northwesterly into New Hudson Railroad crossing, is an interesting geologic area York State. The Mettowee River originates in the town known as the “Slide – swimming flume”. This is a rock of Dorset and also flows northwesterly into New York outcrop in the streambed, which has had recreational State. Both rivers enter the New York Barge Canal near use over the years. It is also a historic area, having been Whitehall, NY 1. used as a baptismal site by the Seventh Day Adventist Church, formed in 1831 by the prophet William Miller, There are a total of 25 lakes and ponds that are 20 acres whose church near the river is on the National Register and greater within the Vermont portion of the Poultney of Historic Places. Mettowee Basin totaling approximately 5,250 acres. The six largest bodies of water in the Poultney Mettowee Several other exceptional geological features are found basin include: downstream of the “Slide/swimming flume,” including “Ranney’s Rocks/Mud Turbidites/Boudinage Structure,” • Lake Bomoseen (2,360 acres) “Layered Cliffs,” “Poultney River Folds/Deep Sea Fan,” • Lake St. Catherine (883 acres) “Carver Falls,” and “Limestone Cliffs.” Carver Falls, the highest major falls in Vermont, contain two falls at the • Lake Hortonia (479 acres) head of a limestone gorge. The falls have been altered • Glen Lake (206 acres) by hydropower development since 1894. For 100 years before that date, they were harnessed to drive mill opera- • Sunset Lake (202 acres) tions. The river above the falls lies in a ravine 100 feet • Little Pond (177 acres). deep. Below the falls, the ravine is 200 feet deep. A cave Figure 2. The Poultney River Watershed in VT and NY in a limestone cliff above the ravine is located about one Poultney River Watershed mile below the falls. Indian artifacts have been found in ing goal: “For that portion of the Lower Poultney River The Poultney River drains 236 square miles in Vermont the cave, as well as in the vicinity of Carver Falls, and in within Vermont borders, the State will seek to manage (Figure 2) and is 40 miles long within and along the bor- a field near Hackadam Road. Sunken boats from the War certain activities affecting the water quality, flows, ders of Vermont. It originates in the town of Tinmouth of 1812 can be seen at certain times of the year at the course, current, and cross-section of the Lower Poultney in the valley between Tinmouth and Spoon Mountains. “Elbow” – an area of the river that turns north toward River to preserve and enhance the exceptional natural, From its source, the Poultney River flows northerly for Lake Champlain. These historical artifacts are on the cultural, scenic, and recreational values of the river and about four miles and enters the town of Middletown National Register of Historic Places. river corridor (refer to uses and values included in Sec- Springs, from which point it flows westerly to its conflu- tion III of the VANR Management Plan for The Lower In 1991, the Lower Poultney River Committee success- Poultney River, A Vermont Outstanding Resource).”2 ence with South Brook 6.7 miles downstream from its fully petitioned the Water Resources Board to designate origin. the Lower Poultney River as an Outstanding Resource The Lower Poultney River begins at the Poultney – Fair Water due to its exceptional natural, cultural and scenic values. Based on this designation, the Vermont Agency 1 Basin 2 Assessment Report, VT Agency of Natural Haven town line and extends 22 miles to a headwater Resources, 1999 of Natural Resources developed a management plan for region of Lake Champlain, referred to as “the elbow. ” 2 The Lower Poultney River, A VVermontermont Outstanding From Poultney to U.S. Route 4, the river is a winding the Lower Poultney River that established the follow- Resource, VT Agency of Natural Resources, 1992

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 9 Much of the land bordering the Poultney River is for- impressive cliffs but is not accessible for swimming. ested or wetlands. The river corridor has a diversity of Just upstream of East Poultney, and continuing for ap- flora and fauna. The watershed consists of many natural proximately one mile, are a series of gorges, waterfalls, communities including floodplain forests, oak-hickory pools and cascades. Two or three of these are accessible forest, rich northern hardwood forest, birch-beech-maple for swimming. There is a pretty little cascade, waterfall forest, emergent marsh, hardwood-cedar swamp, shrub and approximately 20-foot deep gorge in an unnamed swamp, calcareous outcrop and talus slope. A state- tributary to the Poultney River just north of the village identified deeryard is adjacent to the Poultney River in of East Poultney. A Vermont Youth Conservation Corps West Haven. Extensive wetland complexes are adjacent Crew spent a day during the summer of 2001 removing to and are interdependent with the Poultney River in garbage from an illegal dumpsite that was sliding down Fair Haven and West Haven: Steves Marsh, Blue Hole, into the gorge. Schoolhouse Marsh, Corroscaden Marsh, Billings and Reed Marshes, Coggman Pond and Cemetery Cedar Middletown Springs, approximately six miles upstream Swamp. Cemetery Cedar Swamp drains to the Poultney of the village of East Poultney, is the site of historic in Fair Haven, between Routes 22A and 4. The Vermont mineral springs. The springs were in the middle of the Natural Heritage program lists Cemetery Cedar Swamp village, at the intersection of the Poultney River and as one of the largest cedar wetlands in Vermont. It is North Brook. A park was developed here at the turn of an example of a forested-swamp type of wetland and the century because the springs were popular with tour- adds many species of flora and fauna to that of the river ists. There is only one active spring today that draws an proper. occasional curious tourist. The river is shallow here and only allows wading. The fishery in the Poultney River is diverse; fish surveys have found that two thirds of the fish species in Vermont Below the Hubbardton River, the Poultney River flows are found in the Poultney River. The Poultney River is westerly for 1.8 miles where it is joined by Coggman one tributary to Lake Champlain in Vermont that has a Creek, which enters from the north. Walleye population large enough to be used as an egg Coggman Creek is a slow meandering stream with a source for the Lake Champlain Walleye and Fingerling length of 7.5 miles and a drainage area of 13 square Project.” The lower Poultney River also supports the miles. Originating on the flat plateau southwest of the most diverse native mussel populations than anywhere village of Benson in the town of Benson, Coggman else in the state. Creek flows southwesterly into the town of West Haven, The Vermont Institute of Natural Science uses the where it turns southerly for the last two miles on its Elbow area for birding trips. Birds sighted here include course prior to joining the Poultney River. some that are uncommon nesters in Vermont. The flood- Proceeding generally southerly for 6.1 miles, the Poult- plain along the river in West Haven contains the best ney River is joined by the Champlain Canal in New population of Blue Gray Gnatcatchers in Vermont. York, which enters from the south. From this point, the A small gorge, cascades and a swimming hole are lo- Poultney River flows northwesterly for two miles to its cated in Lewis Brook in the Town of Poultney. This pri- terminus in Lake Champlain, at South Bay. vately owned site is approximately three miles upstream Castleton River Watershed from the confluence of the brook with the Poultney The Castleton River is the largest and most impor- River, approximately two miles upstream of Cemetery tant tributary of the Poultney River, with a length of Cedar Swamp. 20 miles and a drainage area of 99 square miles. The A deep gorge with a waterfall and cascades at an old Castleton River is generally a sluggish and meandering mill site in the center of the village of East Poultney has stream. The Vermont Natural Heritage Report (2002)

10 PoultneyPoultney MMettoweeettowee WWatershedatershed BasBasinin PPlanlan cites the Castleton River as one of the best examples of a moderately sized mountain stream anywhere in the state. It originates on the southeastern slopes of Biddie Knob in the town of Pittsford. It flows southerly through Whipple Hollow, entering the town of West Rutland and proceeds through a large marsh northwest of West Rutland Village. The Castleton River then turns west and flows into the town of Castleton, where at a point 11 miles from its source, it is joined by North Breton Brook from the north. Several other steep gradient, mountain tributaries, such as Gully Brook, join the Castleton River as it travels from east to west along the Route 4 corridor. Breton Brook, a tributary to the Castleton River in the Town of Castleton, contains a small bathing pool approximately four feet deep below an old mill dam with a few ledges on either side; undeveloped but right next to the road. The Castleton River proceeds westerly, passing to the The Mettowee River north of Castleton Village and south of Castleton Cor- ners and Hydeville. Downstream four miles from North picnicking, and parties.” 3 Mettowee River Watershed Breton Brook, it is joined from the north by its principal Giddings Brook, a stream that enters the northern por- The Mettowee River has a length of 17 miles within tributary, the Lake Bomoseen outlet stream. Although tion of Lake Bomoseen in the Town of Hubbardton ap- Vermont and has a drainage area within the state of 137 the length of this stream is only 0.4 miles, it has a drain- proximately three-quarters mile above the lake, contains square miles (Figure 3). It originates on the southern age area of about 40 square miles, being the terminus pretty cascades, ledges and pots, and is used for swim- slopes of Dorset Mountain near the northern boundary of several brooks draining the many lakes and ponds of ming. of the Town of Dorset. From its source, the small stream this area of Rutland County. Below the Lake Bomoseen tumbles rapidly down the mountainside, flowing in a outlet brook, the Castleton River flows westerly for the From its confluence with the Castleton River, the Poult- southerly direction through Dorset Hollow and westerly final five miles of its course, entering the town of Fair ney River flows northerly for three miles into the town onto the valley floor, entering the town of Rupert in East Haven where it passes through Fair Haven Village and of West Haven, to Carver Falls, where it cascades over Rupert. In East Rupert, the Mettowee River becomes a joins the Poultney River. a total drop of 126 feet. From this point, the Poultney slower and more meandering stream. It flows northwest- River proceeds westerly for 2.4 miles, where it is joined Sucker Brook cascade is a fascinating site located in the erly through the town of Rupert and into the town of by the Hubbardton River, which enters from the north- Town of Castleton on Sucker Brook. It is described by Pawlet. At a point 9.5 miles from its source and adjacent east. Jerry Jenkins: “Approaching the cascades from the up- to the village of Pawlet, it is joined by Flower Brook stream, there are first a few cascades between three and Hubbardton River Watershed from the east. six feet in height. Then the stream separates into three The Hubbardton River has a length of 17 miles and a Flower Brook is seven miles long and has a drain- narrow channels and falls three to four feet, and then drainage area of 45 square miles. Flowing generally age area of 19 square miles. This brook begins on the these channels unite and there is a steep cascade about southerly and southwesterly for its entire course, the southern slopes of Tinmouth Mountain in the Town 12 feet. Then there is as steep-sided ravine approxi- Hubbardton River begins at a wetland in the town of of Tinmouth, and flows southerly into the Town of mately 20 feet deep and 150 feet long, with some nice Orwell, passes through the town of Benson and into the Danby. After passing between Mount Hoag and Dutch pools.” Below the ravine, the stream enters a swamp. town of West Haven, to its juncture with the Poultney “Before the land was posted, the cascade was a popular River. A tributary from Lake Hortonia joins the Hub- recreational area and was used for camping, swimming, 3 The Waterfalls, Cascades, and Gorges of Vermont, VT bardton River in Benson. Agency of Natural Resources, 1988.

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 11 Hill, Flower Brook flows southwesterly into the town of Pawlet to its confluence with the Mettowee River. Flower Brook is a flashy stream that has had a history of producing minor flooding. Proceeding west then north from Pawlet Village, the Mettowee River forms a wide “S” loop at Butternut Bend and continues under Vermont Route 153. It passes through a rocky gorge and continues to the point where Wells Brook enters from the northeast, 6.9 miles downstream of Flower Brook. Wells Brook is the largest tributary to the Mettowee River (Figure 4). This brook, generally flashy upstream of Wells Village, begins in the town of Tinmouth on the western slopes of Tinmouth Mountain. It flows southwesterly to the Wells town line, westerly past the village of Wells, and to a point nine miles from its source. Here it is joined by Mill Brook from the northeast. Mill Brook is the outlet brook of the Lake St. Catherine chain of lakes. It is two miles long and has a drainage area of 26.5 square miles. From its confluence with Mill Brook, Wells Brook proceeds southerly into the town of Pawlet, where one mile downstream of Mill Brook, it joins the Mettowee River. Figure 3. The Mettowee River Watershed Wells Brook has a total length of ten miles and a drainage area (including Mill Brook) of 34 square miles. est. The land used for agricultural purposes is about the A small gorge and cascade is located on Flower Brook, same –16% of the watershed area. Surface water covers a tributary to the Mettowee River, in the Village of Continuing westerly, the Mettowee River enters the 6% of the Mettowee watershed and wetlands cover 2%. Pawlet. The gorge is an old mill site, with a dam at the State of New York at a point 0.6 mile below Wells Transportation and other developed land comprise 4%. upper end, and is spanned by the village general store. Brook, and proceeds to its eventual union with the The site is presently operated for hydroelectricity, and a Champlain Canal south of Whitehall, New York. A fishing area is located on Mill Brook in Pawlet, at its penstock bypasses the gorge. juncture with the Mettowee River accessible from the Another tributary of the Mettowee River within Ver- Route 140 Bridge west of Blossoms Corners. Approxi- 2.2 Land Use mont is the Indian River, which joins the Mettowee at mately one mile south of this juncture is Button Falls Land use information has been generated through the Granville, New York. The Indian River is generally a on the Mettowee River in Pawlet. The Jenkins Report Vermont Land Cover Classification Project and shows meandering stream seven miles long in Vermont. It describes it as a “wide gorge and superb swimming hole that the Poultney Mettowee basin is predominantly drains 39 square miles of land within the state. This with a falls 15-20 feet high,” on the south side of But- forested with 69% of the watershed area in either stream begins at the watershed divide just north of the ton Falls Road. On the north side of the road, “there is deciduous or evergreen forest. A significant portion of village of Rupert and proceeds northerly into the town of a narrow limey gorge with some fine swimming pools the basin land use, 16%, is agriculturally based. Sur- Pawlet entering New York at West Pawlet Village. and very handsome rocks.” Jenkins rates it as “State face water covers about 7% of the basin and wetlands The Mettowee River watershed in Vermont is a little significant”, in a part of the state where cascades (i.e., comprise 3%. Transportation and other developed land more forested than the Poultney River watershed with waterfalls) are “rare”. He also rates it as “significant for covers about 5% of the basin. 71% of the watershed either deciduous or coniferous for- good swimming”.

12 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan Agricultural Land This is the second largest land use type in the watershed but is far below the 69% of the land that is in forest When one thinks of the Poultney Mettowee Basin, one (Vermont DEC, 1999). Farms are producing milk and invariably thinks of broad green valleys rimmed with meat as well as apples, eggplant, wool and zucchini. forested hillsides. This image is based on the rural land- Farm-owned forestland extends farm production into scape that has developed over decades of agricultural maple syrup and forest products. The most recent data use. available from 1997 shows a diversity of farm types Agriculture gives the watershed its character. It also ranging from dairy and horses to bees, cut flowers and gives it an economic base, a cultural identity and an raspberries. environment that combines field, forest, pasture and Agriculture also has a large impact on the economy. village. Only 5% of the basin has been developed into Agricultural products produced in Rutland County have roads, homes and businesses. a market value of over $28 million dollars. Farms spend Of the 373 square miles that make up the Poultney Met- over $24 million a year, much of it locally, to support towee Basin, 16% or 38,533 acres, is in agricultural use. production and to pay property taxes. Agriculture also has an impact on the environment. It is estimated that almost 60 miles of rivers and 80 acres of lake water are adversely affected by agricultural runoff. the part of Federal, State and local organizations, and Excess nutrients, pathogens and sediments all can leave farmers, to control the cumulative effects of agricultural the farm when erosion control methods fail or heavy practices over two centuries of impact. rains and floods inundate fields. Cropping practices that remove riparian vegetation along the banks leaves Dairy operations and their associated crops are the pri- them susceptible to erosion leading to sedimentation and mary agricultural use in the Poultney Mettowee Basin. elevated stream temperatures. Year 2001 Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Mar- kets data shows 153 dairy farms in the watershed, with Agriculture has been an active force in the valley for 81 of these currently in operation. There are eight certi- over 200 years. It is only within the past 30 years that fied organic farms in the watershed. These farms have a nonpoint source pollution has begun to be addressed. It total of 160 acres in hay, 227 acres in pasture, 34 acres will take a great deal of time, work and investment on

Table 1. Current Status of Agriculture in Rutland County

Rutland County Data 1982 1987 1992 1997 Total # Farms 561 516 493 530 Acres in Farms 166,855 140,177 132,674 125,770 Acres in Cropland 71,090 61,167 57,342 52,797 In # Farms 521 487 459 465 Acres in Pasture 22,501 17,535 15,040 13,041 In # Farms 290 301 272 274 Figure 4. Principal Mettowee Tributaries Lewis Brook in Poultney * Data source: 1997 & 1987 Census of Agriculture, USDA

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 13 Through the Vermont Conservation Practices in Place in the Watershed Land Trust, the Mettowee Of the 81 dairy farms currently in operation in the Valley Conservation Project Poultney Mettowee watershed, 23 have completed or are has been very effective presently implementing 73 Best Management Practices. in conserving agricul- Each year between 2 and 8 farms are provided with cost- tural lands in the Poultney share funds for BMP implementation. Contributions of Mettowee basin. Very often, land conservation projects Federal and State dollars combine to decrease the cost take imagination and time. Sometimes a lot of both are for the farmer/landowner to as little as 15%. needed. In 1989 at the beginning of the Mettowee Valley Before 1996, many improvements were implemented Conservation Project, VLT purchased and conserved the by farmers on their own or with only Federal assis- former Moore Farm at the northwest end of this beauti- tance prior to the State providing additional cost share ful farm valley. Fred and Sandy Stone had been leasing funds. Since 1996, over $964,000 have been invested the farm since 1972, and were later named “1994 Farmers in nonpoint source pollution control on farms in the of the Year” because of the quality of their operation. Poultney Mettowee basin. According to the Agency of Development has been shown to have a greater adverse They wanted to purchase the farm, but because they also Agriculture, Food, and Markets, this investment will impact on water quality per acre than does agricultural wanted to build a new freestall barn and increase their reduce agriculture’s contribution to phosphorus loading land. The increase in pavement and other impervious herd size, it was not economical to purchase all the land in surface waters by 1560 pounds per year once fully areas can increase runoff and carry toxic pollutants into at once, even with the development rights removed. implemented throughout the basin. Additionally, these waterways. practices will reduce pathogens and assist farmers in Therefore, in 1990, the Stones purchased 32 acres with the better managing nutrients on the farm. Despite these constraints the Poultney Mettowee buildings on the west side of the highway where the new watershed remains rich in prime agricultural land and barn was to be built. VLT then entered into a long-term To date, three Federal programs have been used to maintains a vital agricultural industry. With the excep- lease-option agreement for the 167 acres on the east side, conserve a total of 396 acres in the Poultney Mettowee tion of Castleton and the lakes region, most areas face which included 144 acres of prime agricultural soils. In Basin. Two USDA-NRCS programs include the Wetland little urban development pressure. It is the economics of Reserve Program, protecting 137 acres, and the Con- March 2003 Shorty and Sandy completed their purchase of agriculture that will likely determine the future character servation Reserve Program, conserving 5 acres. The US the additional land. Furthermore, the future affordability of the valley. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish & Wildlife of the farm has been insured through an Option to Pur- Program has fenced 254 acres of streamside land to Increased development means greater disturbance to chase at Agricultural Value (from the Vermont Land Trust). prevent livestock from damaging streambanks. Another soils, greater impact on resources and greater stress on existing farmland to both produce more on less land and It isn’t always necessary to pull a farm apart to keep it in significant conservation program is through the Vermont Land Trust that seeks to provide long-term and perpetual to maintain the pastoral nature of the landscape. This operation, but in the case of the Stone’s “Stone Broke becomes increasingly difficult with the concurrent in- Farm,” that was the best solution. Funding for the original easements on significant farmland. As of spring, 2004, the Vermont Land Trust has conserved approximately crease in the cost of farming due to higher land costs and acquisition was provided by the Vermont Housing and 11,000 acres, or 5% of the Poultney Mettowee basin. higher tax rates. Loss of Vermont’s pastoral aesthetic Conservation Board, the John Merck Fund, and local con- may ultimately have an impact on the State’s tourism tributors. (Courtesy of Vermont Land Trust) Loss of the Working Landscape revenue.

Recently, the Stones have enrolled in federal cost-share While the total number of farms has decreased by 31 Projecting out another 15 years at the present rate of programs such as the Wildlife Habitat Enhancement (5.5%) between 1982 and 1997, the number of farmed loss, there will be fewer than 40,000 acres in agriculture acres has decreased by 27,753 acres. This is a 30% Program and the Conservation Reserve Program to protect in all of Rutland County, which is only 6.7% of the land decrease in the agricultural land of the county in only the Mettowee River riparian corridor and now have plans base of the county. This would dramatically change the fifteen years. This loss of agricultural land has many cultural and environmental qualities of the valley. to engage in a river channel restoration project, with the implications. Loss of open space to development is evi- assistance of the Poultney Mettowee Natural Resource dent along Route 30 in Castleton and many other areas. Conservation District.

14 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan The economic impact of agriculture in the basin is strik- Participation in these programs is voluntary and not all Through the Poultney Mettowee Natural Resources ing. Despite the dramatic decrease in farm acreage, the producers are willing or financially available to invest in Conservation District, the Nutrient Management Pro- value of the agricultural products that are sold continues BMPs so there may never be full participation. Manure gram provides on-farm consultation, with the primary to increase. Dairy products make up 74% of the total runoff in the basin will never be 100% contained. Stor- goal of working on individual nutrient management plan value for the County. With total production expenses of age systems contain wastes produced during the winter development while reducing nonpoint source pollution. $22,350,000, including $1,707,000 in property taxes, spreading ban or when animals are confined. Pasture Nutrient management plans are required on larger farms agriculture puts a significant amount of money into the wastes and spread wastes will always be susceptible to and on farms participating in Federal and State cost- local economy. runoff. share programs. A plan involves field and crop histories, soil tests and sampling results, and a detailed plan for Trends for the Future If current levels of funding for BMP installation con- use of all on-farm nutrients so as to maximize environ- tinue, water quality should gradually improve until 2023 There are currently 81 operating dairy farms in the mental and financial sustainability. when all current operating dairy farms are treated. Lev- Poultney Mettowee Basin. Of these farms, 63 do not els of phosphorus and nitrogen in surface waters should have waste management systems. At the current con- Forest Land decrease but might not be fully eliminated. Even greater struction rate of three waste management systems per improvement should come now that nutrient manage- Rutland County is approximately 596,600 acres of year and assuming all 63 farms require waste manage- 5 ment is a requirement of participation in Federal agricul- which 82% or 491,800 acres is forested. This is slightly ment systems, it will take approximately $2,087,040 and 6 ture programs. Further improvement could take place if higher than the statewide average of 78% and an 21 years to complete implementation. The cost is based the cost share funding programs are refocused on other increase of 9% from 1983 when Rutland County was on a treatment cost of $320 per animal unit for waste types of farms and on annual practice implementation 73% forested. These figures represent a drastic change management systems and a need to treat 6,522 animal such as riparian treatments and buffer installation. An in- from the agricultural era of the mid 1800’s when only units on dairy farms. Thirty-nine farms have not yet increase in support for these programs would decrease the 20% of Vermont was forested and our streams and riv- stalled improved barnyards. In order to treat the remain- amount of time it will take to reach maximum nutrient ers had little protection. Private landowners own 74% ing 3,860 animal units needing this treatment at an aver- containment providing that each agricultural operation of the forestland with public land (federal, state, and age cost of $90 per animal unit, it will cost $347,400. 7 participates in the Nutrient Management Program. municipal) comprising the remaining 26% . In contrast the Poultney Mettowee Basin is approximately 238,720 acres of which 69% is forested. This is approximately 10% below the statewide average. The three primary forest uses in Rutland County are recreation, wildlife habitat, and timber harvesting. Recreational values are becoming increasingly more important to residents both within and outside the county. Trail networks crisscross the landscape and are used by

5 Frieswyk, Thomas and Richard Widmann. 2000. Forest Statistics for Vermont: 1983-1997. USDA, Forest Service, Resource Bulletin NE-145. 6 Frieswyk, Thomas and Anne M. Malley. 2000. Forest Statis- tics for Vermont: 1973-1983. USDA, Forest Service, Resource Bulletin NE-87. 7 A Landowners Guide: Wildlife Habitat Management for Vermont Woodlands. Vermont Department of Fish and Wild- life and Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation. 1995. Project coordinators: Ronald J. Reagan, Department of Fish and Wildlife and Ginger Anderson, Department of Forest, Lack of riparian woody vegetation along streambanks has resulted in streambank failure Parks, and Recreation. 78 p.

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 15 “Compare the past with the actual condition of hikers, hunters, snowmobilers, skiers, horse enthusiasts, Mettowee NRCD. The main objectives of the program our (river basins) in question, and trace their con- mountain bikers, and others. Water based recreation are increasing the amount of stewardship on smaller par- version from forest-crowned hills, luxuriant pasture also abounds and benefits from the forested landscape cels and restoring the connectivity of people and land. through protection and aesthetics. grounds, and abundant cornfi elds well watered by Land fragmentation is an increasing concern in Rutland springs and fertilizing rivulets, to bald mountain Many species of wildlife are found in Rutland County County. Vermont’s Land Use and Development Law (10 ridges, rocky declivities, and steep earth banks and all of them rely on the forest resource. Deeryards VSA § 1973) previously mandated that state approved are one type of critical habitat that are identified for septic systems were required for any homes being built furrowed by deep ravines with beds now dry, now protection, along with large, undeveloped areas im- on ten acres or fewer. Developers subdivided properties fi lled by torrents of fl uid mud and gravel hurry- portant for black bear. All species associated with the into parcels just over ten acres in size to circumvent the ing down to spread themselves over the plain, water resource rely on the forest for water purification, permitting process and the expense of designing a septic and dooming to everlasting bareness the once sedimentation control, temperature stability, and nutrient system that met state guidelines. This, in combination productive fi elds. It is evidently a matter of the cycling. Several programs are offered through either the with other factors including a decline in agriculture and utmost importance that the public, and especially State or Federal government that encourage cost-share the increase in second home construction has helped to activities on private land to benefit wildlife and water create an overall landscape that is a mosaic of streets, land owners, be roused to a sense of the dangers resources. The discharge of sediment into waters of the homes, intensively managed lawns and gardens, and to which the indiscriminate clearing of the woods State is often controlled through the implementation of small fragments of forest around many town centers. may expose not only future generations, but the the Acceptable Management Practices for Maintaining Forest fragmentation has an impact on the quality and very soil itself.” Water Quality on Logging Jobs in Vermont. Cost-share quantity of wildlife habitat, reduces the opportunities programs can also assist landowners in constructing for forest management, potentially degrades ecological George Perkins Marsh, Man and Nature; or, Physi- proper stream crossings or fixing past destructive prac- functions including water quality, and reduces recre- cal Geography as modifi ed by human action (1864) tices. ational opportunities. For example the average home Or, more simply… Timber harvesting has occurred on a majority of the land range of a flock of wild turkeys may vary from 1000 in Rutland County since the early 1700s. Several wood to over 4000 acres. When this habitat occurs in an area “The effects of clearing are already perceptible using industries are located in the county and rely on the that is extensively subdivided it can drastically limit in the comparatively unviolated region of which I timber resource that is important to Vermont’s economy. the resources needed to continue to be effective turkey am speaking. The rivers which rise in it, fl ow with Today approximately 20,000 acres is reserved from habitat. The Vermont Backyard Forest Stewardship diminished currents in dry seasons, and with aug- timber management due to statute or administrative des- Program is a grant-funded program that was started in mented volumes of water after heavy rains. They ignation. Many more acres are effectively unmanaged Rutland County in 2001 to provide technical assistance due to small size, location within urban areas, or lack of to this growing number of small landowners in the bring down much larger quantities of sediment, access. Approximately 100,000 acres of forest land in Poultney Mettowee and Upper Otter Creek Watersheds. and the increasing obstructions to navigation.” Rutland County is enrolled in the Use Value Appraisal By educating landowners on the role that their small par- George Perkins Marsh, Man and Nature; or, Physi- program which give landowners a reduced per acre as- cel plays within the overall landscape we can effectively sessment for managing their forests according to sustain- protect and increase wildlife habitat, protect biodiver- cal Geography as modifi ed by human action (1864). able forestry practices. These landowners are required sity, and increase the flow of sustainable forest resources . to manage their land according to a plan that provides harvested from small backyard forests. These small for- for timber harvesting, wildlife habitat, and protection of est properties in conjunction with the properties around water quality. them are an integral part of the overall landscape. The management activities that occur on these small proper- The Vermont Backyard Forest Stewardship Program ties can have a profound impact on the natural commu- offers free stewardship assistance to private landowners nities that constitute the neighboring forests, meadows, in Rutland County and surrounding areas with 25 acres streams, and lakes. or less. It is a collective effort between the Backyard Forestry Program, the Rutland NRCD, and the Poultney

16 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan Developed Land runoff into surface waters due, in part, to the increase of impervious areas within municipal centers. The roads, Initial economic development and agricultural settle- houses and parking lots that make up the developed ment in the Poultney Mettowee Basin proceeded much areas cover approximately 6% of the basin. Tradition- as it had and would in western New England and ally, municipal centers were developed adjacent to rivers northern New York State during the early 19th century. and lakes, as these surface waters served as primary Rutland County took a leading regional role in the wool- transportation routes. This is the case with several of growing industry as far as numbers of sheep raised. municipalities in the Poultney Mettowee Basin. In the Most of the early valley towns in the basins were well Poultney River Watershed, the towns of Castleton, Fair suited for this industry. With specialization, farmers be- Haven, and Poultney each have developed municipal came increasingly involved in a cash economy and small centers adjacent to the Poultney River. In the Mettowee commercial and mill villages developed along the major Watershed, the towns of Dorset, Pawlet, and Granville, rivers, which served as a primary transportation route. New York each have developed areas adjacent to the The county, along with the rest of western Vermont, Mettowee River. The town of Whitehall, New York lies shared in the maximum impact of the Champlain and at the confluence of both the Poultney and Mettowee Erie canals on the state economy. By connecting both Rivers as they enter Lake Champlain (South Lake B). Vermont and the Great Lakes to the New York market, The developed area has led to reduced water quality the canals lent impetus to the abandonment of wheat when building resulted in the removal of vegetation cultivation in favor of new agricultural specialties, along the stream corridor, the filling of floodplains and realigned much county commerce, and allowed early the disposal of untreated runoff from these areas in the development of the marble industry.8 river. The construction of railroads through the region acceler- The high housing and population growth in some basin ated the specialization and commercialization of agricul- towns will alter water quality and aquatic habitat. Un- ture. Railroads, together with steam-powered technol- less the rapidly growing towns have strong, clear protec- ogy, spurred the rapid and lucrative exploitation of the tion goals and strategies in their town plans and zoning stone and wood resources of the region. In the last two regulations, new development (with the accompanying decades of the 19th century, the Rutland region became land changes, soil exposure, encroachment on riparian the preeminent industrial county in Vermont. During the areas, and increased impervious surfaces) will lead to 20th century, the Rutland County industrialization and more environmental threats and impacts. Currently, the urbanization reached its peak and the stone and wood plans of the most rapidly growing basin towns address industry went into decline, removing the underpinnings water resource protection but the zoning or land conser- of related manufacturers and commerce in most of the vation programs that would encourage protection are not industrial villages. During the last thirty years Vermont yet in place. has seen an influx of manufacturing firms, growth in recreation—vacation home industry and significant 2.3 Water-based Resources immigration of people who have either retired or moved from the cities for a better living environment9. Growth The Poultney and Mettowee Rivers, their tributaries, and in tourism has been an important factor in the region, associated lakes, ponds, and wetlands support aquatic however, an indirect consequence of this trend has been life and habitat and provide recreational opportunities the conversion of smaller farms to residential housing to through its fishery, swimming holes, boating, and aes- support the influx of people to the region. Ironically, this might detract from the basis of this growth in tourism. 8 Rutland Regional Plan. Rutland Regional Planning Commission, November 1999. Today there are several urbanized, or developed municipalities in the watershed that contribute stormwater 9 Rutland Regional Plan. Rutland Regional Planning Commission, November 1999.

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 17 thetics. In addition, the surface waters provide drinking which threatens 232 acres. The source of mercury is water and irrigation supplies. The fundamental purpose atmospheric deposition, which has resulted in the need of protecting water quality in Vermont is to protect for fish consumption advisories. Siltation is from non- these and other beneficial uses and values of the water. point sources, including silviculture, agriculture, land Characteristics of the Poultney Mettowee Basin that sup- development, road run-off, and other land-disturbing port many of these uses include the many different lakes activities. and ponds and the boatable and swimmable sections of Existing Uses major rivers in the basin. All surface waters in Vermont are protected to support Lakes and Ponds uses valued by the public including swimming, boat- Of 5,410 lake and pond acres assessed for overall uses, ing, and fishing. The degree of protection afforded to 3,740 acres (69%) meet their designated uses, and 1,670 these uses in most surface waters is based on the water’s acres (31%) do not meet their designated uses, or are management type or class as described in Chapter 6 of considered impaired (Table 2). the Plan. In particular surface waters, however, some Lake St. Catherine outlet in Wells uses are protected absolutely if the Agency of Natural The majority of the threats and impairments to lakes and Designated Uses Resources identifies them as existing uses (See Table 7) ponds in the basin are caused by non-native nuisance under the anti-degradation policy of the Vermont Water A designated use, according to Vermont Water Quality aquatic species. The major sources of the nuisance non- Quality Standards (VWQS). The continuing objective Standards (2000), “means any value or use, whether native species include boating and recreational activities, will be to encourage community involvement in identi- presently occurring or not, that is specified in the man- which cause their spread to other non-infested lakes. fying existing uses, Outstanding Resource Waters and agement objectives for each class of water as set forth Other causes of impacts to lakes and ponds include mer- proposing new classification and typing for waters in by the Water Resources Board. cury contamination of fish (1,085 acres) and siltation, their community. Boating The Poultney River is known for exceptional canoe- Table 2. Use Support Status of Basin 2 Lake Acres (as of 1999) ing from a recreational and naturalist perspective. Use Acres Fully Acres with Acres Acres Not Acres “The ledges of the upper segment provide challenge Supporting Limited Partially Supporting Not to experienced paddlers and the flat water of the lower Uses Uses Supporting Uses Assessed segment invites paddlers of all skill levels. The boating Uses experience of the entire Poultney River is outstanding Overall Uses 2467 1273 943 727 0 due to the long season, visual interest, and exceptional wildness, privacy and naturalness of the river corridor Aesthetics 2749 1910 24 727 0 (Jenkins, 1988). Other rivers in the basin, such as the Aquatic Life Use Support 2643 2016 24 727 0 Castleton, Hubbardton, and Mettowee, also provide good paddling and tubing when conditions allow for Agricultural Water Supply 0 0 0 0 5410 good flow. Drinking Water Supply 85 0 0 0 0 Many of the lakes and ponds in the basin allow all types Fish Consumption 4325 0 1085 0 0 of boating to occur from Lake Bomoseen (the largest lake wholly contained within the state) that allows large Filtered Water Supply 0 0 0 0 5410 power and sailboats to pristine to pristine ponds that Industrial Water Supply 0 0 0 0 5410 only allow for car-top boats to be launched. Secondary Contact Uses 3441 1208 34 727 0 Swimming

Table 2. Use Support Status of Basin 2 Expressed as Acres of Lakes Swimming holes are located throughout the Basin in rivers and streams, and there are abundant lakes and ponds

18 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan (hence the Lakes Region label). The mainstems of both supports a great bass fishery, also has northern pike that the river bed runs dry during these conditions. the Poultney and Mettowee each have large swimming and pan fish. Abundant natural reproduction occurs, so it has been holes with jumping ledges, including Button Falls on removed from the stocking list. • Burr Pond – Supports a warm water fishery. the Mettowee and the swimming flume on the Poultney, • Lake St. Catherine – Supports both a cold water trout just upstream of its confluence with the Castleton River. • Glen Lake – Supports a warm water fishery and is fishery (rainbow, brown and lake trout) and an excel- Along the Mettowee River, local residents also use stocked with Rainbow Trout. lent warm water fishery. In July of 1997, Vermont quarry holes as public swimming holes. • Lake Hortonia – Supports largemouth bass, northern State Fisheries Biologists discovered alewives in Lake The Vermont Department of Forest, Parks and Recre- pike, and panfish. St. Catherine. State Biologists are concerned that the ation maintains public beaches at State Parks located on • Hubbardton River and Coggman Creek – Supports establishment of this exotic fish species in Vermont local lakes. None of the other swimming holes or quar- a warm water fishery. waters could prove to be a major threat to native for- ries are under any formal management oversight. Some age and game fish populations. landowners have concerns with liability, vandalism and • Castleton River – Very good brown trout stream. A new baitfish regulation enacted by the Vermont Fish garbage. Good spawning and nursery areas throughout the upper sections of the Castleton. The West Rutland & Wildlife Board at the recommendation of the Vermont Fish Habitat and Fisheries Marsh provides good cover for larger trout. The lower Fish & Wildlife Department is designed to protect native species and is now in effect in Vermont. The Vermont There is a wide variety of fish habitats found throughout reaches support brown trout while the upper reaches baitfish regulation establishes rules for collecting, the basin, from warm water fisheries located in lakes, support brook trout. importing, possessing, transporting, selling and using ponds, and rivers, to cold water fisheries located in • Sunset Lake – Supports lake and rainbow trout, baitfish. This new regulation helps address the many high mountain streams and where temperatures allow in northern pike and yellow perch. risks to native species posed by the misuse of baitfish in valley surface waters. These fishery habitats range from Vermont (Vermont Fish and Wildlife, 2002). The move- high velocity riffles with cobble substrate to slow mov- Mettowee River – The mainstem of the Mettowee River ment of existing fish species from one body of water to ing pools with sand substrate to seasonally flooded wet- and its tributaries generally support trout (brook, brown, another and the possibility of exotic fish species becom- lands. The fish community of the lower Poultney River and rainbow). The aquatic habitat and biota closer to ing established in Vermont are serious threats to high holds two thirds of the fish species found in Vermont. the New York border becomes more marginal. The quality fisheries. The new regulation, developed with The following is by no means a comprehensive descrip- lower section of the river in Vermont runs through long input from commercial bait dealers, also ensures that tion of all fisheries in the basin, but rather a summary of stretches of open agricultural land. This has caused fish using baitfish in an appropriate manner will continue in fisheries in major waterbodies. kills during periods of extreme high summer temperatures. Temperature data collection and modelling was the future. Poultney River – The headwaters are good habitat for conducted during the summers of 2000 and 2001 by Significant Natural Communities and Rare, Threat- Brook and Brown Trout, below the village of Poultney, VTDEC and VT Fish & Wildlife. The Mettowee has ened and Endangered Species which lacks spawning and nursery area. Sparse coverage been classified as a wild trout stream with a “no-stock- exists for large fish. Lack of deep holes or riffle areas. ing” policy. Fish and Wildlife annual surveys have Spawning and nursery areas are very good throughout documented abundant natural reproduction. As of 2001, the upper sections of the Poultney. All tributaries feed- Vermont Fish & Wildlife has also targeted the Mettowee ing into the Poultney above Fair Haven have excellent for special regulations regarding special protected slot Brook and Brown Trout spawning and nursery areas. No limits and protected length limits for fish to be released. species of trout have been stocked since 1972. (Note: The protected size limit for the Mettowee is 10” to 14” 1999 Assessment Report notes over 55% of fish species with a two fish per day limit, which includes one fish known to Vermont found in the Poultney River). The that may be kept above the protected slot size. The fol- following list provides a snapshot of fisheries conditions lowing list provides a snapshot of fisheries conditions in in the Poultney watershed: the Mettowee watershed: • Beebe Pond – Supports a warm water fishery. • Indian River – The Indian River experiences very • Lake Bomoseen – Stocked with brown trout annually, low flow summers, and becomes a “losing stream” along certain reaches during the summer, meaning Strongs Swamp in Benson

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 19 The Poultney Mettowee Basin contains a high diversity diversity in the Poultney River drainage is outstanding and photography. That’s 11% more than ski in Vermont. of natural areas and wildlife species. The river-wetland- on a statewide basis. In 1996, residents and non-residents spent $341 million forest complexes are abundant and provide extensive dollars in Vermont on wildlife-associated activities. A Wetland and Water Dependent Wildlife edge habitat supporting large numbers and diversity of recent survey of Vermont residents found that the protec- birds (nesting habitat for some birds and migratory stop- The Poultney Mettowee Basin supports an array of tion of fish and wildlife resources, habitats and lands as over habitat for others), mammals, reptiles, amphibians, wildlife species, all of which are dependent on clean well as the opportunity to participate in wildlife-related and plant communities. The East Bay floodplain forest water to survive. Some live all or part of their lives near recreation was important to nearly all (97%) of surveyed along Lake Champlain in the town of West Haven and streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands, using them for Vermont residents. This represents a significant contri- the Pawlet Sycamore Forest along the Mettowee River habitat, food sources, and travel and dispersal corridors. bution to the state’s economy and illustrates the strong are two important examples of floodplain forest com- Wildlife and the landscape that supports them are vital connection Vermont residents have to the land and its munities. Some of the finest wetlands in the state can parts of Vermont’s rural culture and character. Through- wild inhabitants. Maintaining high quality surface be found in the Poultney Mettowee basin, including out Vermont’s history, plants and animals have provided waters is critical to the continued survival and health of the Lake Bomoseen marshes (the largest aquatic bed food, clothing, tools, endless enjoyment, and a spiritual the Poultney Mettowee Basin’s wildlife. marsh in the state), Dorset Marsh (one of three Class connection to our landscape. For many people, simply The Poultney Mettowee Basin provides a myriad of One wetlands in the state), West Rutland Marsh, Beaver knowing that black bears roam the woods of Dorset outstanding wildlife habitats and significant natural Meadow, Little Pond in Wells, and Parsons Mill Pond. Mountain in the Mettowee watershed and that bald communities. The watershed drains some of the most eagles have been known to catch fish in Lake Bomo- The Poultney River watershed encompasses an impres- productive uplands and riparian lands in the state. The seen enhances their quality of life. In fact, results from sive array of natural communities – floodplain forests, calcium-enriched soils of the Taconic region provide a 2001 public opinion survey conducted by the U.S. oak hickory forests, rich northern hardwood forest, outstanding agricultural land juxtaposed with a diverse Fish and Wildlife Service, show that Vermont ranked birch-beech-maple forest, clayplain forest (Hubbardton mix of rich northern hardwoods, including significant first in the nation as having the highest percentage of River), emergent marsh, hardwood cedar swamp, shrub amounts of high quality, mast-producing tree species. residents that actively viewed wildlife (60%). Today, swamp, calcareous outcrop, talus slope and others. The This resulting combination of habitat diversity consis- over 240,000 Vermont residents engage in wildlife-as- variety of natural community types and level of species tently produces the highest harvests of white-tailed deer sociated activities including viewing, hunting, fishing and wild turkeys in the state. Other game species such as black bears, grouse and squirrels abound. The Basin also provides extensive acreage of extremely productive wetland habitats, beginning in the uplands with the Class One Dorset Marsh, all the way downstream to the vast, dynamic wetlands complex along Lake Champlain to The Drowned Lands. These wetlands harbor abundant waterfowl, colonial bird species, shorebirds and raptors, along with a wide variety of furbearers, reptiles, amphibians and songbirds. An unusually large number of rare animal species is also found in the Basin, notably, the timber rattlesnake, 5-lined skinks, and numerous fresh water mussel species. The Poultney River is highly productive fishery and has been classed by the State of Vermont as an Outstanding Resource Water. Irrigation and Animal Watering Water from the Poultney Mettowee Basin is an important resource to the continuation of agriculture in the Basin. Surface water is used for irrigation and animal West Rutland Marsh

20 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan Table 3. Water Withdrawals – in gallons per day of water, are also required to have a Source Protection Plan. Surface- water % of Total Ground-water % of Total The Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP), a fed- Acres Irrigated eral requirement, requires the identification of Potential All Uses 12,570,000 100% 3,470,000 100% ---- Sources of Contamination and an identification of their Irrigation 290,000 2.3% 60,000 1.7% 290 risks to Transient, Non-community Public Water Sys- tems (i.e., motels and restaurants with their own source Livestock Watering 180,000 1.4% 630,000 18.2% ---- of water), Public Community Water Systems, and Non- (Lake George watershed area, including Poultney-Mettowee watershed - USGS 1990 transient, Non-Community Public Water Systems. If a Water Use for 0201000-Lake George Basin) Public Water System has an approved Source Protection Plan, the requirements of the Source Water Assess- ment Program are met. A Water Protection Committee watering. Water withdrawals for these purposes total ap- drought conditions for three consecutive years through has been formed in the town of Castleton to update the proximately 1,160,000 gallons per day. The fluctuation 2002, which underscores the importance of water con- Source Water Protection Plan due to ongoing concerns for irrigation needs often reflect current meteorologi- servation practices. With many private wells and public regarding stormwater contamination of the Source Pro- cally trends. Potatoes, vegetables, orchards, berries, and water systems running out of water or with limited tection Area (Dewey Field, North Street). nursery stock are all being supported by irrigation. Yet, amounts of water during drought conditions, the Agency combined surface water withdrawals for animal water- has sought to educate all Vermonters to use water wisely. The only designated surface water used for a pub- ing and irrigation account for only 3.7% of the total lic drinking water supply in the Poultney Mettowee surface water withdrawals by all uses. Drinking Water Supplies – Farm*A*Syst and watershed is Inman Pond in Fair Haven. The number of municipal Source Water Assessment Programs surface waters used for private drinking water supplies Between 1992 and 1997, the number of acres under Source Protection Plans are an important part of manag- is unknown. Traditionally, many of the seasonal camps irrigation and the number of farms using irrigation has located on lakes and ponds withdrew water for drinking, remained nearly constant. ing and protecting public ground and surface water supply sources. A Source Protection Plan (SPP) identifies however, this is now the exception, rather than the norm. The Agency of Natural Resources determined that 2001 the potential sources of contamination in a specific area, Farm-A-Syst is a free, voluntary drinking water pro- was the driest year in three decades and drought condi- assesses the risks of these potential sources of con- tection program offered throughout Vermont by the tions continued through the summer of 2002. With many tamination, describes how to manage the risk from the conservation districts. This program is to help agricul- private wells and public water systems either out of potential sources of contamination, and discusses how tural producers protect their drinking water supplies. water or with limited amounts of water, the Agency ex- to handle emergencies. In the Poultney Mettowee basin, In-depth assessments are done of farm wells, operations perienced a delicate balance of conflicting use. Rutland there are 16 active public water systems, community and site geologic conditions. Water is also sampled and County farmers have solicited the federal Farm Service and non-community, for which Source Water Protection tested for nitrates, herbicides and bacteria. The Farm- Agency in the past for financial help to tap water for Plans have been developed. A-Syst specialists then work with farm operators to rec- wells, springs or irrigation. Across the State, 170 farmers ognize which practices are protecting water quality and had applied for drought relief during 2002. In response, In order to provide for better protection of public health, every public community water system, like munici- which may pose a risk to drinking water. Once areas of the Farm Service Agency had secured federal funding to concern are addressed, the district specialist works with help farmers tap water for their herds and crops. palities and mobile home parks, is required to have an approved Source Protection Plan under state law. Since the landowners to obtain the necessary technical and In addition to the 16 Rutland County farms that had ap- 1985, the delineation of Public Water Source Protection financial resources to correct problems. plied for those funds in 2002, many more had inquired Areas (SPA) has been required for all proposed new Wetlands about assistance. In 1995, 1997 and 1999, Vermont sources for public community water systems. Since experienced similar droughts. Each was worse than the 1992, a water system must have an approved Source Wetlands protection is gaining momentum in southwest- last because groundwater supplies never had a chance to Protection Plan (SPP) in order to receive an Operating ern Vermont. The Lake Bomoseen Marsh that lies within fully replenish after each dry spell. Permit. Non-transient, non-community public water the Poultney River watershed, was recently designated as one of four Class One wetlands (Vermont defini- State hydrologists indicated that Vermont experienced systems, like schools and factories with their own source

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 21 tion) in the state.One of the four Class One wetlands There is still a general lack of understanding by the (Vermont definition) in Vermont occurs in the Poultney public of the important functions and values of wet- River watershed. The Dorset Marsh, one of the other lands. The wildlife habitat values of wetlands are better four Class One wetlands provides the drainage between understood and appreciated than others. Education and the Battenkill and Mettowee River watersheds. Wetlands outreach conducted by conservation districts and other are usually associated with riparian areas and forested partners would educate citizens as to the value of wet- areas. Other wetland conservation efforts are underway lands to reduce flooding, filter nutrients, and recharge in the West Rutland Marsh and Loves Marsh in the ground water. Several federal programs are available for Poultney Mettowee Basin. landowners use to enhance or protect wetlands including: WRP (Wetlands Reserve Program), WHIP (Wild- Farming wetlands or draining wetlands for agriculture life Habitat Incentives Program), CRP (Conservation is not a significant problem in Bennington and Rutland Reserve Program), and Partners for Fish and Wildlife counties. Drainage, filling, and fragmentation are more Program. The Vermont Land Trust, a nonprofit conser- of an issue associated with development and road con- vation organization, has also been very successful at struction. protecting wetlands in Vermont, and specifically for the Mettowee Valley Conservation Project.

Canoeists on the Lower Poultney River

22 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan Chapter 3 Water Quality Conditions and Initiatives in the Basin 3.1 General Water Quality Conditions Temperature increases, pathogens, and metals are also Nonpoint Source Pollution having an impact on watershed rivers and streams. The in the Poultney Mettowee Basin Similar to other areas of Vermont, nonpoint source sources of these pollutants include agricultural activi- pollution is the major source of water use impairment The following assessments and reports were used for ties, streambank destabilization, riparian vegetation to surface waters in the Poultney and Mettowee river the development of this water quality management plan removal, municipal wastewater treatment facilities, land basins. Unlike point source pollution, such as a direct for the Poultney Mettowee watershed: development and landfills. discharge or outfall pipe, nonpoint source pollution is • Poultney Mettowee Watershed Partnership Public The Poultney and Mettowee River watersheds still more diffuse, harder to quantify and more difficult to Attitudes Survey (Packer, 2002) have a relatively high percentage (16% each) of land in control. Examples of these are runoff from parking lots, agriculture. In some areas, where agricultural activities • Poultney Mettawee Watershed Water Quality and back roads, fertilized lawns, and runoff from agricul- have occurred in close proximity to rivers and streams, Aquatic Habitat Assessment Report (VTDEC, 1999) tural fields. It has been well documented that urban and there has been a loss of riparian vegetation and nutri- suburban nonpoint sources contribute more phosphorus • A Classification of the Aquatic Communities of ents and other pollutants are more likely to reach the and sediment per acre than runoff from the working Vermont (VTDEC, 1998) waters with storm runoff. Streambank destabilization landscape. Urban land covers only a small portion of the and loss of riparian vegetation are a consequence of • Vermont’s Natural Heritage: Conserving Biological Champlain Basin, yet it produces approximately 37% of agricultural land use, transportation infrastructure, and Diversity (Thompson, 2002) the average annual nonpoint source phosphorus load to land development encroaching on riparian areas. Along Lake Champlain – much more phosphorus per unit area • Poultney River Riparian Habitat and Geomorphic many streambanks adjacent to crop and pasture land, than either agricultural or forested land (Hegman et al., Assessment (TNC, 2001) however, buffers are being left to grow or are actively 1999). To a large extent, nonpoint source pollution con- • Hubbardton River Restoration Project – (EPA being replanted. In the future, as more farmers imple- trol and nonpoint source pollution prevention focuses on Freshwater Initiative, 2001) ment Best Management Practices (BMPs) and partici- the watershed approach, land use and land management. pate in programs sponsored by the Natural Resources Portions of the Poultney and Mettowee Rivers and their • Mettowee River and Flower Brook Geomorphic Conservation Service and U. S. Fish and Wildlife tributaries have been listed as “impaired” due to agri- Assessment (Field, 2002) (Partners for Fish and Wildlife), more buffers will be cultural nonpoint source pollution. Agricultural waste established. As riparian vegetation grows and matures, • Lake Champlain Phosphorus TMDL (VTDEC, 2002) (manure) runoff is the largest overall contributor to assessments will likely find there to be less of a threat water quality impairment, contributing approximately • “Opportunities for Action”, Lake Champlain Basin to waters related to agricultural activities. Program (2002) Atmospheric transport and deposition of mercury and Surface water conditions in the Poultney Mettowee the incorporation of mercury into the food chain is an Basin are generally good. In fact, the Vermont Natural issue in this basin as in other basins in Vermont. This Heritage Report (Thompson, 2002) identifies the is especially problematic in the lakes’ food webs but Castleton River, Hubbardton River, the Lower Poultney is also an issue affecting walleye taken from the lower River, Flower Brook, and a few lakes and ponds in the reaches of the Poultney. The issue unfortunately can- basin as priorities for conservation, because they repre- not be addressed solely on the state level. Vermont did sent a best existing example of the various class types enact legislation requiring the labeling of all mercury- for a particular region of state (Thompson, 2002). containing products as well as recycling of mercury in The two greatest causes of impairments and threats to those products by the manufacturers, however, portions rivers and streams in the Poultney Mettowee Basin are of this legislation are currently being challenged in nutrients and sediments from nonpoint source pollution court. Serious reduction of mercury releases and even- according to the Poultney Mettowee Watershed Water tually mercury impacts, however, will require the influ- Quality and Aquatic Habitat Assessment Report (1999). ence and involvement of the federal agencies.

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 23 Rivers Management Program has developed fluvial The fluvial geomorphic adjustments that occur in geomorphic assessment protocols for conducting assess- response to disturbance are part of a predictable process ments of rivers and streams in Vermont. that often results in conflicts with human investments along riparian corridors such as roads, bridges and cul- A geomorphically “stable” or balanced river channel is verts, railroads, agricultural lands, and residential and one that maintains a predictable form over time. This commercial structures. As these conflicts build, tradi- balanced form is governed by the watershed inputs of tional channel management activities contribute to a water and sediment, climate, and the physical attributes vicious cycle of ever-increasing conflict and instability. of the watershed and valley setting including soils, Similarly, existing flood plain management mechanisms hydrology, land use, and valley confinement. Flooding inadequately protect against encroachments that directly is a natural phenomenon that in many areas greatly or indirectly lead to greater channel instability and conflicts with human land use. For this reason, rivers increased magnitude of sediment discharge. and flood plains have been extensively modified in an Undersized bridge constricts water and sediment conveyance attempt to reduce such conflicts thereby forcing the Thermal Modification fluvial system to be out of balance. Flood and erosion Thermal modification occurs when a wooded ripar- 55% of the nonpoint source pollution phosphorus loads damages have been exacerbated as the fluvial systems ian buffer is lost or removed and the associated shade to Lake Champlain (Lake Champlain Basin Program, seek to re-establish a geomorphically balanced condi- which allows the sun to increase water temperatures. Opportunities for Action, Draft, October 2001). The tion. Lake Champlain Basin Program (2000) estimates that Temperature is a primary regulator of biological activi- there are approximately 323 miles of streams bordered by agricultural land in the Vermont portion of the Lake Table 4. The six most prevalent sources of surface water quality problems in Basin 2 Champlain Basin that are in need of riparian buffer installation and/ or streambank repair. Water Quality Sources (Randomly listed) High Moderate or Total Potential It is clear through this study and other sources that Concern Impact Slight Impacts Threats addressing nonpoint sources of pollution is critical to (miles) Impacts (mi.) (miles) (miles) future watershed restoration efforts in these impaired Sedimentation Streambank de-stabilization, Road 0.5 14.0 14.5 53.2 waters. maintenance and runoff, Agriculture, Fluvial Geomorphology and Stream Channel Channelization, Dredging, and Land Adjustment Processes development Fluvial (water) geo (earth) morphology (land shape) Nutrients Streambank de-stabilization, — 15.4 15.4 46.0 explains the physical processes and describes the shape Agriculture, Land development and form of the river system within a particular land- Temperature Loss of riparian vegetation, 8.2 5.2 13.4 35.3 scape setting. There are several reasons for conduct- Streambank de-stabilization, Road ing geomorphic assessments of rivers. Three primary maintenance, Agricultural land use, assessment objectives are the identification of stream Channelization, and Land development condition (as compared to a reference stream of the same type); the stage of adjustment process, or physical Pathogens Developed land use, Agriculture, 2.0 5.8 7.8 24.5 change (if any) underway in the channel; and the sen- Waste water treatment plants sitivity of the valley, floodplain, and channel to human Metals Landﬁ ll leachate, Urban (stormwater) 10.6 — 10.6 — or natural changes. The term “in adjustment” is used to runoff, Atmospheric deposition describe a river that is undergoing change in its channel form outside the range of natural variability. The Flow alteration Impoundments (dams, hydro facilities), — 10.4 10.4 — Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, water withdrawals

24 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan ties and an increase in the temperature regime of small little, if any, diversity of bed features. The channel may especially walleye spawning areas, will be improved streams may have an adverse impact on fish popula- be primarily described as a continuous riffle or plane in the lower Poultney River, just above its mouth at tions by increasing their rate of metabolism while, at the bed; lacking the deep runs and pools that contribute to Lake Champlain, by reducing sedimentation in the same time, reducing the amount of dissolved oxygen a lower temperature regime. This scenario is evident Hubbardton River. In addition, there should be a cor- in the water. Elevated water temperatures may, there- along several mainstem reaches of the Mettowee River. responding increase in wildlife, which uses forested fore, reduce the vigor of cold-water species and make riparian zones. USDA-NRCS and US Fish and Wildlife Pathogens them more susceptible to disease or parasites, such as Service, Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program have whirling disease that affects trout populations in the Pathogens are any disease-causing organism, includ- considerable data on the most impaired reaches and Mettowee. Small headwater streams are most likely to ing bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. The pathogens that also have prepared preliminary designs for planting and be affected by the clearing of streamside vegetation. are of concern in Vermont surface waters are those that fencing. These agencies have also begun working with come from fecal matter of humans and other warm- farmers in the Hubbardton River basin on barnyard Riparian cover is recognized as an essential component blooded animals. These pathogens cause gastrointestinal improvements. of trout habitat (VT Fish & Wildlife, 2001). It is defined problems and become a more serious health risk to as areas where fish can find shelter to rest and seek Whirling Disease people who have weakened immune systems. Surface refuge from predators. In steams, cover can take many waters containing this waste pose a risk to human health Earlier in 2003, the state of New York discovered whirl- forms, including water depth, surface turbulence, coarse when ingested through drinking water or inadvertent ing disease in its portion of the Batten Kill, a river long substrate (i.e., cobble and boulders), undercut stream- ingestion through contact recreation. famous for its high quality trout fishing. Vermont Fish banks, aquatic and overhanging riparian vegetation, & Wildlife Department staff recently conducted prelimi- woody debris (i.e., log snags and roots), and any other In surface waters, the most likely source of human nary tests that revealed the presence of whirling structures that provide fish with a secure place to evade waste or sewage is from a malfunctioning wastewater disease in Vermont’s section of the Batten Kill. This threats or conserve energy. A stream or river lacking treatment plant or septic system. Sources of animal is of special concern to anglers in the Mettowee River adequate cover, even though all other habitat require- waste are highest in urban and agricultural areas. basin given the proximity of the Batten Kill to the ments (water quality, temperature, food, and spawning Wildlife that resides in the water, such as beaver and Mettowee River. areas) are met, is a poor place for trout to live over the waterfowl, can also contribute pathogens. long term and usually will be reflected by lower popula- Whirling disease is a potentially fatal disease affecting The primary indicator of fecal material in water used in tion densities. Adult Brown Trout are very dependent trout that is caused by a microscopic parasite. The para- most freshwater monitoring efforts is Escherichia coli on the presence of cover and are largely confined to it site has a two-host life cycle involving trout and a com- (E. coli). The presence of E. coli indicates that there unless spawning or feeding (VT Fish & Wildlife, 2001). mon bottom-dwelling tubifex worm. The spore stage of may be pathogens in the water that may make humans the whirling disease parasite is extremely persistent and Temperature is one of the most important factors in lim- sick, but it is not an actual measurement of those patho- easily spread. iting trout abundance. Directly related to temperature is gens. Vermont has adopted a water quality standard for dissolved oxygen. As temperature increases, dissolved E. coli bacteria for Class B waters that is more restric- Whirling disease has led to major declines in several oxygen levels decrease. Because trout require high oxy- tive than EPA’s standard. Vermont’s Class B standard western states’ trout populations. Symptoms of the gen levels, they require low temperatures. Once tem- is 77 E. coli/100 ml in a single sample. For a variety of disease are skeletal deformities and a blackening col- peratures have reached the low 70s F, the amount of dis- reasons, the restrictive nature of Vermont’s present stan- oration of the tail area of the fish. Some infected fish solved oxygen is low enough to drive trout out of mar- dard may be ineffective for assessing the actual risks to exhibit a whirling motion when swimming, caused by ginal waters and into coldwater refuges, such as deep swimmers and determining where bacterial pollution is damage to their cartilage and central nervous system. holes or groundwater seeps. They may stay in these a real issue. Young rainbow trout are at greatest risk, and other trout protected enclaves as long as water temperatures remain species can also suffer effects from the disease. Once Fisheries high. Over prolonged periods, fish kills can occur. trout reach three to four inches in length, cartilage Aquatic Habitat forms into bone and the fish may carry the parasite, not Water temperatures may increase during certain stages showing any visible symptoms, but still be capable of of an adjustment process, when widening of the active It is expected that by addressing the sedimentation and passing it on when they die. channel occurs. Water temperatures may also be elevat- thermal pollution problems in the Mettowee, cold-water ed along channelized reaches within which there exists fisheries habitat will be improved. Fisheries habitat,

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 25 The disease is spread from one area to another mainly which empties into the Barge Canal and then southern Department of Fish and Wildlife has undergone a series through the movement of infected fish or fish parts. Lake Champlain. The implications of alewives becom- of public scoping meetings to gather public opinion and Mud containing whirling disease spores may also be a ing established in Lake Champlain are serious. The comment. The Department will then seriously consider vector. Fish-eating birds are suspected of spreading the multi-million dollar Salmonid Restoration Program run these opinions and comments before a final decision is parasite causing the disease through their feces. People by Vermont, New York, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife made and actions are initiated to deal with the problem. also have the potential to spread the parasite when Service could be in jeopardy. Direct competition from With that, the potential management actions are: moving infected equipment such as boats, boat trailers, alewives could negatively impact native fish communi- • No Action. fishing tackle and waders from one body of water to ties including smelt, yellow perch, and other important another. forage fish that game fish populations such as trout, This alternative would result in the Department of Fish salmon, and bass depend on. An investigational report and Wildlife taking no steps to prevent the spread of Alewives on potential alternatives to managing alewives is alewives from Lake St. Catherine to other Vermont Lake St. Catherine supports a coldwater trout fishery anticipated from the Vermont Department of Fish and waters. (Rainbow, Brown and Lake Trout) and an excellent Wildlife (Spring 2004). • Population Reduction. warm water fishery. In July of 1997, Vermont State The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife is cur- The risk of alewives spreading from Lake St. Catherine Fisheries Biologists discovered alewives in the lake. rently considering various management alternatives could be somewhat minimized by reducing their abun- State Biologists are concerned that the establishment to deal with the alewife issue in Lake St. Catherine. dance in the lake. This might be accomplished by sev- of this exotic fish species in Vermont waters could The objectives of these alternatives are to minimize eral methods. First, a predator fish such as brown trout, prove to be a major threat to native forage and game or eliminate the risk of spread of the alewife from that would feed predominately on alewives, could be fish populations. The threats posed by the alewives are Lake St. Catherine to other Vermont waters. It must be stocked into Lake St. Catherine. The predation pressure not limited to Lake St. Catherine. Water from Lake St. understood that a final decision on one specific man- might keep the alewife population low enough that the Catherine flows into Little Pond and over a dam into agement alternative will not be made until the Vermont risk of spread is minimal. Second, an aggressive netting Mill Brook. Mill Brook enters the Mettowee River, project by the Department of Fish and Wildlife at specific times of the year when alewives are more vulner- able might have the same result. • Alewife Containment. The risk of alewives spreading downstream over the dam on Little Pond and eventually reaching Lake Champlain could be minimized by the construction of some kind of containment barrier on the channel leading from Little Pond to the dam. The barrier could be one of 3 different types: acoustic, electrical, or physical. Essentially, these barriers would block the movement of alewives downstream from the lake, reducing the chances that they would escape and spread to Lake Champlain. • Reclamation. Reclamation is a commonly used practice in North America to eliminate the threat that unwanted fish species pose to native aquatic ecosystems. When a lake is “reclaimed,” it is chemically treated with a piscicide (a chemical that targets fish, much like herbicides target weeds and insecticides target insects) that kills all fish Figure 5. Lake St. Catherine Lay Monitoring Graph

26 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan species within a lake. If this option was chosen, all spe- some fish species are better at getting rid of their meHg per month that applies to “all other fish” (other than cies of fish in Lake St. Catherine, including alewives, burden than others, which is why the DOH advisories the six species with specific advisories) due to mercury would be killed off. Shortly after this, the native fish are species-specific. In addition, certain lakes appear (VTDEC, 1999). species would be restocked using individuals from to have conditions that result in more efficient transfer Aquatic Nuisance Species nearby lakes. of methylmercury up the food chains. This is why the The majority of the threats and impairments to lakes Mercury Contamination DOH advisories identify a select few waterbodies as having particularly elevated fish-tissue mercury concen- and ponds in the basin are caused by non-native nui- In the atmosphere, mercury undergoes a wide variety trations, and where eating resident fish therefore carries sance aquatic species. The Poultney and Mettowee of chemical transformations, eventually settling to the a greater level of risk. Based on research that DEC has Basin has the highest concentration of lakes with dense landscape as mercury attached to particulate matter just recently completed, the DOH advisories are being populations of Eurasian watermilfoil statewide. Lakes such as soot. Once on the ground, mercury migrates modified to become more lake specific. DEC has iden- St. Catherine and Hortonia as well as Burr Pond have through watersheds, arriving eventually into receiving tified the following factors as being associated with the most use-limiting and difficult milfoil infestations of waters (e.g. wetlands and lakes). Mercury that is mov- increased tissue mercury levels: lake acidity (natural or any in Vermont. A chemical herbicide has been applied ing through watersheds is subject to myriad chemical otherwise) and the levels of tannins in the water; pres- to Lake Hortonia, Burr Pond, and now Beebe Lake to transformations, and these are often biologically medi- ence of nearshore and upstream wetlands; water level control milfoil. A permit to apply herbicides to Lake St. ated. The most important of these biological transfor- fluctuation; and the rate at which the lake is flushed on Catherine has now been issued to the Lake St. Catherine mations is the generation of methyl-mercury (meHg). an annual basis. Association (as of Spring 2004). However, there are MeHg is a highly toxic form of mercury, which is eas- many other methods used for controlling Eurasian ily assimilated into tiny planktonic organisms at the Mercury is the fourth largest cause of impairment to watermilfoil on lakes and ponds in the Poultney base of aquatic food chains. Through the processes of basin waters. The source is atmospheric transport of Mettowee basin, including hand-pulling, the use of biomagnification, minute concentrations of meHg are mercury from coal power plants in the midwestern bottom barriers, mechanical harvesting, and biological passed up food chains, increasing to levels which pose United States into surface waters where it gets into the controls. Adequate resources are a significant limiting a significant threat to those organisms which feed at aquatic food chain. There is a fish consumption advi- factor to Eurasian watermilfoil management within the the top of the aquatic food web. Organisms which are sory for walleye in the lower part of the Poultney River basin and elsewhere in the state as recreational activi- at risk of meHg exposure include top-level carnivorous due to the amount of mercury in the fish tissue. This ties continue to spread it. These aquatic species have fish such as walleye, fish-eating birds such as eagles advisory suggests no consumption for women of child- an impact on a total of 1,332 acres in the basin, and and loons, and, of course, humans. It is noteworthy that bearing age and children age 6 and under. There is also include: a statewide advisory restricting the number of meals Table 5. Waters appearing below are waters altered by exotic species. These are priority waters for management action. This reﬂ ects the status as of 2001.

Waterbody Segment Name/ Use(s) ID Description Affected Surface Water Quality Problem Current Status/Management or Control Activity VT02-01 Discrete areas Aesthetics (AES), Aquatic Life Water chestnut infestation Handpulling (1998-01) BY TNC of lower Poultney Support (ALS), Contact Recreation (CR), Secondary Contact Recreation (2CR) VT02-01L01 Coggman Pond AES, ALS, CR, 2CR Locally abundant Eurasian watermilfoil growth No control activities (West Haven) AES, ALS, CR, 2CR Locally abundant water chestnut growth Conﬁ rmed population in 1998; VTDEC/TNC Handpulling (1998-2001) VT02-02L06 Black Pond AES, ALS, CR, 2CR Locally abundant Eurasian watermilfoil weevil present; weevil augmentation (1997-2000) (Hubbardton) growth VT02-02L07 Mill Pond AES, ALS, CR, 2CR Locally abundant water chestnut VTDEC and TNC handpulling ongoing (Parsons Mill and Eurasasian watermilfoil growth Pond) (Benson)

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 27

Waterbody Segment Name/ Use(s) ID Description Impacted Surface Water Quality Problem Current Status/Management or Control Activity VT02-03L02 Beebe Pond AES, ALS, CR, 2CR Locally abundant Eurasian watermilfoil Weevil present; sonar permit application rec’d (Hubbardton) growth Fall 2001 VT02-03L05 Lake AES, ALS, CR, 2CR Dense Eurasian watermilfoil growth in most Weevil present; weevil augmentation (93, 94,97 Bomoseen shoreline areas and 2001 milfoil declines of unknown cause VT02-03L05 Lake ALS, CR Zebra mussel infestation ZM population discovered in 19 99; population Bomoseen increasing; ﬁ rst water intake line clogged in 2001 VT02-03L06 Glen Lake AES, ALS, CR, 2CR Locally abundant Eurasian watermilfoil Weevil present; noted natural milfoil decline (Castleton) growth 1992; wqd weevil harvest in 1999-2001 VT02-05L01 Lily Pond AES, ALS, CR, 2CR Locally abundant Eurasian watermilfoil Weevil present; ongoing limited milfoil harv; (Poultney) growth sonar permit application received fall 2001 VT02-05L02 Little Pond AES, ALS, CR, 2CR Dense Eurasian watermilfoil growth in most Weevil present; ongoing milfoil harvest-sonar (Wells) shoreline areas permit application received Fall 2001 VT02-05L03 Lake St. AES, ALS Alewives Alewives conﬁ rmed in 1997; VT Dept of Fish and Catherine Wildlife control alternatives report (Wells) VT02-05L03 Lake St AES, ALS, CR, 2CR Dense Eurasian watermilfoil growth in most Weevil present; ongoing milfoil harvest-sonar Catherine shoreline areas permit application received Fall 2001 (Wells)

Table 5: Waters altered by exotic species in the Poultney Mettowee Basin (2001)

Of most concern in the Poultney Mettowee basin, these Lake Bomoseen and veligers have been discovered in owners to control the spread of this aquatic nuisance aquatic nuisance species infest lakes and ponds: Lake Hortonia. species within the lake and to nearby waters. • Eurasian watermilfoil – the most problematic. This The major cause of the spread of nuisance non-native In response to a request from the Burr Pond infests the largest number of acres of lakes in the species from one lake to another is by boats that have Association, the Poultney Mettowee Watershed Poultney Mettowee Basin, and the largest number not been adequately cleaned. Partnership has agreed to pursue education and outreach opportunities for the Burr Pond Association. of lakes of any basin in the state. Lake Bomoseen, Watermilfoil spread prevention is underway on several Specifically, the Partnership will look into additional Beebe Pond, Burr Pond, Lake Hortonia, and the Lake lakes and ponds in the basin. The Poultney Mettowee signage regarding invasive species that could be erected St. Catherine chain have particularly severe infesta- Watershed Partnership has assisted with education at the Fish and Wildlife access, as part of the Lake tions. and outreach for spread prevention by the Burr Pond Champlain Byways project. The Aquatic Nuisance • Water chestnut – exists in several ponds and wet- and Lake St. Catherine Associations. The Vermont Species Program of VTDEC (2003) indicates that lands in the basin. The proximity of water chestnut Department of Environmental Conservation has pro- Eurasian watermilfoil density in Burr Pond is “heavy.” infested areas of Lake Champlain makes this a con- vided technical assistance and grants-in-aid to the Lake The Burr Pond Association as well as the Lake Hortonia tinuous threat. Water chestnut has been found in Lake Bomoseen Association, Beebe Lake Association, Lake Association have recently submitted an application to Bomoseen and removed. Hortonia Association, Burr Pond Association, Sunrise- re-treat Eurasian watermilfoil with Sonar A.S. The Lake Sunset-Perch Property Owners Association, Lake St. • Zebra mussels – reproducing adults are now found in St. Catherine Association is now permitted by the state Catherine Association as well as other smaller pond

28 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan for the use of Sonar A.S. to treat watermilfoil once consistently exhibit good aesthetic values as described It is clear through the Public Attitudes Study conducted during the period between 2004 and 2006. The Beebe in Vermont Water Quality Standards (2000). In addi- by the Partnership that public education and outreach Lake Property Owners Association contracted to have tion, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department have are critical to future water quality efforts for residents Beebe Lake treated with Sonar A.S. during 2003. raised concerns regarding the potential adverse impacts in the watershed. Ultimately, a public that understands associated with widely fluctuating flows in the bypass. water quality and related resource management prob- Flow and Water-Level Regulation Increased energy expended by aquatic biota moving in lems as well as possible solutions to those problems can Dams and hydroelectric operations change the physi- and out of the bypass as flows fluctuate could pose an best make informed choices about its long-term protec- cal, ecological and social characteristics of a river. undue risk to fisheries. tion and restoration (LCBP, 2001). For public outreach Dams have multiple effects on rivers and riverine to be effective, the messages must be clear, frequent, Public Outreach and Communication habitat. These changes range from a minor alteration and identifiable. For that reason, the Partnership and of depth and velocity in the case of low-head, run-of- The basin planning public process included a survey of District have focused on maintaining consistency the-river dams, to a complete change from river to lake residents to identify water quality concerns throughout throughout their public outreach efforts. The main goal characteristics in the case of large dams. Dams can the Poultney Mettowee Basin. A primary outcome of in the beginning of the Partnership was to make its exis- flood upstream habitat and act as barriers to upstream this project was that conservation districts were provid- tence known, as well as that of the District. By promot- and downstream movement of aquatic organisms. ed with an assessment of landowners’ knowledge, atti- ing the organizations it was hoped that the public would Operations alter the natural flow regime in a way that tudes, and behaviors with respect to water quality and be more aware of where to go for assistance, informa- can reduce downstream habitat quality and quantity. land use. As a long-term benefit, the survey findings tion and education. In addition to channel adjustments that may affect the will serve as a benchmark for evaluation of progress. In Public relations efforts include: structure of in-stream habitat, additional flow diver- addition, attendees of all meetings and public forums sion from the bypassed reach of the stream can expose ranked issues, concerns, project areas, and future objec- • A website on which the Partnership listed every streambed substrates, effectively reducing the amount tives for attention in basin planning. publication and much written information about the of habitat area available for aquatic organisms. In high- Partnership. It is updated monthly. Several major water quality problems, their sources, and gradient streams, cobble and gravel substrates in riffles impacts were identified from the many public meetings • Biannual publications have been released that are are exposed; in low-gradient streams, the decrease in and focus group discussions held throughout the basin. large, colorful, graphic newsletters about Partnership water level exposes logs and snags and lowers the water The major concerns regarding water quality that were and District projects, both current and future. These away from the near-bank cover, thereby reducing avail- identified in this ranking process include: are in addition to the regular quarterly newsletters of able habitat. the District. • Health risks from pathogens in runoff from agricul- The Carver Falls hydroelectric facility (Dam) on the ture, urban sources, and overflow from wastewater • A 15-week column in the local paper (which reaches Poultney River has gone to a run-of-river operation treatment plants. every watershed resident free of charge) was secured from a daily peaking operation under the New York during the summer of 2001. This Watershed News State issued 401 and FERC license which should • Nutrient enrichment from agriculture, urban runoff, column also highlighted projects and specific events enhance the management efforts for the Lower Poultney and eroding streambanks. (especially opportunities for participation). The 5 River. Low or fluctuating flows below the Carvers Fall • Sedimentation from road runoff, agriculture, stream week column series was repeated again in 2003 and dam has been eliminated as a result. However, the instability (erosion of stream banks stemming from 2004. recent switch to a “run of the river” operation could channel adjustments that result from activities such as potentially accelerate erosion of the high banks. The • Additional public relations methods such as radio and channelization and dredging), urban stormwater run- owner, Central Vermont Power Service, is currently television pieces, public field days and festivals, and off, and other activities. undergoing the FERC re-licensing process for Vermont. volunteer opportunities. • Thermal impairment due to loss of riparian vegeta- One concern that continues to exist as a result of the • Youth education opportunities, especially those that tion, streambank destabilization, back road erosion, daily peaking operation is the issue of aesthetics regard- involve a hands-on educational experience. A survey and increasing impervious surfaces due to land devel- ing the Carver Falls facility. A minimum level of sup- conducted by the PMNRCD in 2000 showed a dra- opment. port for aesthetics is desired continuously during the matic increase in retention of information after an summer so that waters flowing through the bypass • Impaired waters from nonpoint source pollution educational event for students that involved a hands-

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 29 on experience versus a lecture or visual experience. stakeholder groups in the watershed, will make recom- regularly to formulate a collaborative approach to mendations to the Conservation Districts for manage- resolving high priority water quality issues. Conservation Districts have found a niche in educa- ment priorities and on-the-ground project activities. tion. They have been successful in educating citizens • Local Water Quality Activities through various single topic workshops (pond ecology The mission of the Poultney-Mettowee Watershed Poultney River Basin and construction, horse management, pasture manage- Partnership is to bring together the efforts of citizens ment, watershed coalition building). A primary goal and organizations that share the common vision of con- Champlain Valley Clayplain Forest Restoration– of the Conservation Districts has always been educa- serving, protecting, and enhancing the natural and cul- Native Plant Nursery tion about natural resources and water quality issues tural resources of the watershed. Vermont’s clayplain forests, now considered a rare for residents of the watershed, agricultural producers, The Poultney-Mettowee Watershed Partnership has five natural community, were cleared more than 200 years community leaders and youth. All projects convened primary goals: ago and today cover only about 14 percent of the land by the Districts and Partnership are designed to include in the Champlain Valley south of the Winooski River. an educational component. For example, the Poultney • To improve water quality. The major limiting factor to restoration of the native River streambank project completed this past fall will • To enhance and interpret wildlife populations and clayplain and floodplain habitats has been a lack of include major press releases for public information, as habitats and other natural resources. plant material generated from local genetic stock. As a well as inclusion on the Poultney Educational Trail map result, in 2002 the Nature Conservancy’s Southern Lake and brochure that publicizes the site as a demonstration • Maintain a healthy agricultural based economy while Champlain Valley Program and the Poultney-Mettowee project. protecting restoring, and conserving the soil and water Watershed Partnership started a small native plant nurs- resources of agricultural land. 3.2 Important Local Water Quality ery called the Poultney Mettowee Restoration Nursery. • To educate youth, educators, adults, residents, and Initiatives and Activities Seedlings are being grown from locally collected seeds. visitors about conservation practices and the environ- When grown to size, plants are being planted on river- • Poultney Mettowee Watershed Partnership Goals ment around them. and Related Water Quality Initiatives banks and floodplains located on Conservancy property • To maintain and enhance agriculture-related and and local farms that are enrolled in a federally funded The Poultney-Mettowee Watershed Partnership is a nature-based recreation opportunities. cost-share programs, such as on local farms enrolled in project of the Poultney-Mettowee Natural Resources the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, a federally The 5 goals of the Partnership have been identified Conservation District in Vermont and the Washington funded stream bank protection program. In April 2003, to provide a framework for developing projects to County Soil and Water Conservation District in the first seedlings grown in the Poultney Mettowee enhance water quality conditions throughout the water- New York with funding provided by the Lake Restoration Nursery were planted onto riverbanks in shed. Since 1998, the Poultney Mettowee Watershed Champlain Basin Program. A steering committee, made Whitehall, NY and Benson, VT. The plantings fulfill Partnership has pursued the goals of assessment, pri- up of individuals and representatives of many different two important goals: mitigating the impacts of agri- oritization, and project completion to produce effective cultural practices on water quality and restoring clay- returns. Most of these projects have focused on educa- plain and floodplain forest. Additional benefits of the tion and outreach, such as the Poultney Educational plantings include expanding the river wildlife corridor Trail, the Public Attitudes Survey of residents on water system, stabilizing streambanks to decrease erosion and quality, storm-drain stenciling, and the Watershed subsequent sedimentation that has an impact on native Festival of 2001. The Partnership members represent mussel and sand darter populations, and mitigating watershed interests from various backgrounds including threats of invasive species by using native plant materi- farmers, foresters, loggers, business owners, municipal als for restoration efforts. officials, anglers, local watershed organizations, environmental groups, teachers, utility companies, regional The Hubbardton River and Lower Poultney River planners, and slate quarry operations. The Watershed Restoration Initiative (TNC) Partnership is guiding the development of the watershed The Environmental Protection Agency-funded, Wetland plan and assisting in the implementation of watershed and Riparian Habitat Assessment of the Poultney River restoration projects. The Watershed Partnership meets

30 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan Watershed in NY and VT, completed in 2001, identi- be accessed by the stream, Gully Brook will be left to ence of a new lower floodplain level (Field, 2001) and fied the Hubbardton River as a place where restoration redevelop its meanders and achieve equilibrium through relatively stable non-eroding banks except at the outside would achieve multiple objectives. As an outgrowth adjustment processes that will lower water velocity and bends of meanders. The pool spacing is consistent with of that assessment, a Hubbardton and Lower Poultney encourage sediment deposition upstream of the conflu- stable stream channels (Field and Kline, 2001). The River Restoration Plan was completed in 2004 with ence with the Castleton. Bridge and culvert inventories relatively high sinuosity of the channel probably results local partners, landowners, agencies and scientists. The will be conducted in the watershed to identify structures from the glacial lake clay at the base of the banks, focus of the plan is the riparian and clayplain restoration contributing to stream instability and hindering fish which was the original bank material prior to the post- in the Hubbardton and Lower Poultney River water- passage. These failing structures will be targeted for European settlement deposition (Field, 2001). shed. removal or repair. Vermont’s Natural Heritage Report (Thompson, 2002) The goal of the Hubbardton and Lower Poultney River Lower Poultney River Outstanding Resource Water cites the Poultney River as one of the best examples Restoration Project is to mitigate the impacts of agri- of a moderate to large river directly entering Lake In 1991, the Water Resources Board designated the cultural practices on water quality and to restore clay- Champlain and forming a large freshwater estuary of Lower Poultney River as a Vermont Outstanding plain forests typical of the Lake Champlain area in the Lake Champlain in East Bay. The aquatic communities Resource Water (ORW) due to its exceptional natural, Poultney and Hubbardton River valleys. The restoration in the Lower Poultney River contain species of bivalves cultural, and scenic values. According to the Lower effort will also expand the wildlife corridor along rivers and gastropods that originated from western glacial Poultney River ORW Report, the state will seek to man- and streams, lessen the impact of invasive species, and refugia and that are only found in Vermont below the age certain activities affecting the water quality, flows, stabilize riverbanks by decreasing erosion and sedimen- “principal fall line”, which is located near the 150 foot course, current, and cross-section of the Lower Poultney tation that has an impact on aquatic habitat and biota, elevation contour. In fact, 43 species of fish and 12 River to preserve and enhance the exceptional natural, including native fish nurseries. species of freshwater mussels have been documented cultural, scenic, and recreational values of the river and in the Poultney River including the eastern sand darter, Castleton River Watershed and Gully Brook in river corridor. The upper reaches of the Poultney River the channel darter, black sandshell, giant floater, frag- Castleton and one of its major tributaries, the Castleton River, ile papershell, pink heelsplitter, pocketbook, and other flows clear and fast out of the foothills of the Taconic A partnership has been developed between DEC, fluted mussels which are threatened or endangered in Mountains in southwestern Vermont and generally sup- USDA-NRCS, USFW, PMNRCD, PMWP, and agri- Vermont. port healthy cold-water fisheries. The Lower Poultney cultural operators to form strategies to improve water River and its other major tributary, the Hubbardton The Lower Poultney River is dominated by sand and quality in the Gully Brook and Castleton River due River, tend to run slower and muddy due the predomi- gravel in midstream with silt-clay banks. The southern to stream channel adjustment processes. This recent nance of clay-rich soils underlying the clayplain valley lake segment “B” of Lake Champlain has phosphorus project involves a geomorphic assessment of the Gully and generally support a warm-water fishery. concentrations that exceed Vermont Water Quality Brook and the development of a habitat restoration proj- Standards and lower reaches of the Poultney River are ect. As of summer 2003, a geomorphic assessment is The lower Poultney River has incised 16-20 feet below among Vermont’s “impaired” waters due to nutrient in progress to identify existing stream conditions at the its historic floodplain into sand and gravel banks (Field, enrichment and pathogens from erosion and agricultural watershed scale. Based on this assessment, a stream and 2001). The sedimentology of the sand and gravel depos- runoff (VTDEC, 2002). floodplain restoration plan is being developed. The proj- its and the presence of rooted tree stumps at the base of ect will modify the current process to reverse the his- the deposit suggest that the deposits are the result of the Mettowee River Basin toric channelization project, that leads to severe aggra- deforestation that occurred with European settlement of Mettowee River Thermal Restoration Project dation in the Castleton River and subsequent flooding the area (and subsequent deforestation). Reforestation of adjacent farm operations. By allowing the Gully during the past century or so has resulted in the river The Mettowee River, which is listed as a cold-water Brook to regain access to its historic floodplain above incising through these young deposits. Consequently, fishery, is approximately 30 miles long with a water- the confluence with the Castleton River, the delivery the degradation of the river should not be entirely shed that covers about 137 square miles. The river flows of sediment from the Brook to the Castleton River may ascribed to the Carver Falls Dam upstream, or nonpoint north northwesterly, originating near Dorset, Vermont be reduced. This project would embrace components of source pollution that may be contributing sediments. and traversing into New York State before reenter- both active and passive geomorphic restoration, after The river, although incised below a former floodplain, is ing Vermont to drain into the southern tip of Lake construction of a floodplain at a lower elevation that can in the process of restabilizing as evidenced by the pres- Champlain. At the northern end, it is predominantly forested.

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 31 From the headwaters north to the New York border, the temperature, including channel morphology (sediment watershed encompasses an expanse of agricultural fields deposition and scour processes that lead to the develop- and pastures where little or no shade is provided. In ment of clean riffles and deep pools) and ground water this area, the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife inputs. measured elevated water temperatures and observed In 2001, The VT Department of Environmental periodic fish kills, leading to concern that the status Conservation contracted with an environmental consult- of the river as a cold-water fishery may be impaired. ing firm (ENSR) to conduct a field survey and thermal Observations indicated that most problems occurred modeling program. The summer 2001 field program during periods of low flow associated with warm sum- served to quantify the nature and extent of the elevated mer temperatures. water temperature problem in the Mettowee River An 8.2 mile section of the Mettowee River in Vermont through continuous recording of water temperatures is listed on Vermont’s 303(d) List of Impaired Waters throughout the study area for a 72-day period. The (2002) for thermal pollution and another eleven miles field program also included collection of meteorologi- are threatened by increased temperatures. Portions of cal, streamflow, channel geometry, and habitat assess- Flower and Indian Brooks are also threatened by tem- ment data required to support development of a water perature increases. The primary reason for this thermal temperature model of the Mettowee River. The field pollution is considered to be loss of riparian vegetation. program documented the presence of elevated water The loss of shading results in increased solar radiation temperatures in the river. Temperature exceedances typ- reaching the water and therefore a greater thermal load. ically occurred for a period of a few hours during the late afternoon. The highest temperatures were observed Theoretically, there is a point at which an increase in downstream reaches of the Mettowee, where riparian in riparian shading would be sufficient to maintain shading was minimal or non-existent and the channel adequate stream temperature. However, other factors was widest. Based on the summer 2001 ENSR data and that need improvement may significantly affect stream Figure 6. Erosion Sites on the Mettowee River and Flower the temperature modeling application, the following Brook (VT) where Riparian Buffer is absent management actions were recommended to remove the temperature impairment from the Mettowee River: heat load contributed by this tributary will become significant. Therefore, management actions designed to 1. Increase shading — Riparian planting will provide reduce maximum water temperature in Flower Brook additional shading in critical areas to help lower water should be evaluated and implemented. temperature. After discovering that the Mettowee River was included 2. Modify the channel — Deepening the river in the on the impaired waters list, the Poultney Mettowee wide, shallow reaches is predicted to be effective in Watershed Partnership began to learn about and work reducing maximum water temperatures. In addition, on this issue. Efforts included securing grant funding channel modification could provide deeper, cooler pools for watershed education for landowners and the com- for fish to seek refuge during peak temperature events. munity, riparian planting, temperature monitoring, and (Note: Both active and passive management alternatives settling basin construction on local gravel roads. The should be considered based on cost-benefit analysis and Mettowee River Buffer Outreach and Education Project the current level of conflict between channel adjustment as proposed would complement the Agency’s goal of processes and landowner investments). protecting and restoring riparian corridors as part of the 3. Reduce water temperatures entering from Flower state’s long-term surface water quality, recreation, fish- Brook — The water temperature of Flower Brook is eries, and wildlife management. higher than that of the Mettowee. As plans to cool the Dr. John Field explains geomorphic assessment protocols to A geomorphic assessment of the Mettowee River has river assessment volunteers waters of the Mettowee are implemented, the increased highlighted specific sites along the Mettowee River and

32 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan its tributaries where streambank instability and erosion About 1100 households in the watershed were contacted self-selected for participation to assure a representative is coupled with a lack of riparian vegetation (Field, in order to complete 290 surveys, which had a margin sample of this small, but critical, population within the 2002). Combining this information with riparian land- of error of 5-6% at the 95% level of confidence. Survey larger region’s general population. owners who are willing to engage in an analysis of river questions related to four central topics: (1) What knowl- Conclusions and Recommendations management alternatives, geomorphic-based streambank edge of the Poultney Mettowee Basin and its related stabilization projects and/or riparian buffer projects natural resources conservation and water quality issues The research objectives of the project were met. The use will most likely alleviate the thermal impairment while do landowners and farmers residing within the water- of survey techniques brought landowners’ perspectives avoiding a regulatory approach to the problem. shed possess? (2) What are the attitudes and values to the watershed planning effort. People who might not of farmers and owners of variously sized land parcels have had an opportunity to speak if traditional public 3.3 Assessments Used for Identification within the Poultney Mettowee Basin regarding the qual- participation models had been used were given that and Ranking of Water Quality ity of the water and other natural resources within the opportunity. The diversity in occupations and income Conditions watershed and adjacent to their properties? (3) In what levels, as well as the geographic distribution of the • Poultney Mettowee Watershed Partnership Public behaviors and management practices are landowners respondents is a good indicator of these successful Attitudes Survey and farmers residing within the Poultney Mettowee measures. Basin engaging that impact, or could potentially impact, The survey technique itself was used as a communica- A reliable assessment of farmers’ and other landown- water quality and other natural resources? And (4) how tions medium to get word of the watershed program ers’ attitudes toward natural resource conservation was do landowners and farmers residing within the Poultney into the community. The press coverage announcing the needed in order to develop a long-term plan for com- Mettowee Watershed prefer to receive information about plans to conduct the survey, as well as the direct mail to munication about, and the conservation of, the natural water quality and other natural resources conservation the New York state farmers were additional mechanisms resources of the Poultney Mettowee Basin. Focus group practices; and what are the most trusted sources of this for raising the awareness of people in the watershed. research, conducted in 1998, lacked the richness and type of information? specificity necessary to effectively design and deliver At a minimum, 1100 people (the number of individual a nonpoint source pollution prevention program on a Telephone survey methodology was chosen because of households contacted as part of the survey) received at large scale throughout the watershed. However, the the time and cost savings compared with other methods, least some part of the watershed conservation message input gathered through the focus groups, in addition to including face-to-face interviewing. Advance notice when they answered their phones and heard the open- a review of the literature documenting similar research of the survey was published in the weekly community ing statement, “I’m calling to talk with you about the conducted in other regions of the country, provides a newspaper (Lakes Region Free Press) and local news- Poultney Mettowee Watershed.” Obviously, those 290 good starting point for the survey questions’ design. papers of general daily circulation (Rutland Herald and individuals that completed the entire 10-minute survey Glens Falls Post Star) in an effort to improve support had a much greater exposure to watershed concepts and A telephone survey was conducted in October and for the project, and hence participation and comple- time to contemplate their relationship to the watershed. November 2000 to provide a representative overview tion rates. At the request of the district manager of the The primary outcome of this project was that conser- and assessment of watershed farmers’ and other land- Washington County, NY Soil and Water Conservation vation districts were provided with an assessment of owners’ perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors toward District, farmers in New York state were also contacted landowners’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviors with natural resource conservation. The research objectives in advance of the survey via direct mail to request their respect to natural resource conservation. In addition were to: (1) use survey techniques to bring landown- voluntary participation in the survey and to schedule a to the data reported here, the responses to each survey ers’ perspectives to the watershed planning effort more time for their data to be collected. quickly and with greater accuracy than often occurs in question have been entered into a database. As time and traditional public participation models, (2) use survey The length of the survey was kept to ten minutes in funding permits, these data can be analyzed as well. techniques as a communications medium to get word of order to assure a high level of participant retention For example, if the conservation districts were contem- the watershed program into the community, (3) provide through the duration of the survey. Random number plating a television public service message campaign, an assessment of landowners’ knowledge, attitudes, and dialing was done within each of the two area codes for the questions about whether residents of the watershed behaviors with respect to natural resource conserva- the Vermont and New York towns within the watershed have televisions or ever watch the Champlain 2000 seg- tion issues, and (4) generate data which will serve as a in proportion to the overall population of each state’s ment on the WPTZ-TV 5 news would be of interest. benchmark for later evaluation of the progress of water- segment of the watershed. Proportionate numbers of And likewise, information as to who prefers television shed programs. farmers in each state were either randomly selected or as a communications channel could be used to tailor

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 33 messages and images contained in the announcements Table 6. Summary of Poultney Mettowee Basin Assessments to best reflect the demographics of that segment of the Assessment Title Date Lead Waterway/Location Protocols/Summary watershed’s population. Organization(s) Clearly, one of the long-term benefits of this research Geomorphic/Physical Assessments undertaking has been to generate data that can be used Castleton River Spring 2004 DEC, RRPC, PMNRCD Entire Castleton River ANR Phase 1– as a benchmark for later evaluation of the progress of watershed Geomorphic Assessment watershed programs. As funding permits, it would be Protocols good to conduct another telephone survey of approxi- Gully Brook Summer 2004 DEC, RRPC, PMNRCD Gully Brook watershed ANR Phase 1, 2 & 3 mately 300 households to see what, if any, increase in Geomorphic Assessment awareness may have taken place, what communications Protocols channels were most effective, and which messages Mettowee River 2001 GMC–Field Mettowee River main stem Buffi ngton/ reached their target markets. More important would Montgomery/ Rosgen be a measurement of any behavior changes that may Hubbardton River 2001 GMC–Field, GMC Hubbardton River Buffi ngton/ have resulted from the increased awareness brought main stem Montgomery/Rosgen on by conservation districts’ communications tactics. Temperature 2001–ongoing PMWP, VTDEC Mettowee River/ EPA QAPP Examples of expected changes might be more care monitoring Flower Brook on the part of landowners in their use and disposal of household chemicals or greater support by non-farmers Biomonitoring/Biological Assessments for legislative initiatives that would provide financial Macroinvertebrate & 5 year rotation DEC BASS Castleton, Hubbardton, Monitoring data is and technical resources to farmers for addressing non- fi sheries species Poultney, Mettowee, and used in determining diversity monitoring Indian Rivers, and Flower if waterways point source pollution problems. Brook meet Vermont Water • Poultney Mettawee Watersheds Water Quality Quality Standard and Aquatic Habitat Assessment Report (VTDEC, (impaired waters list) 1999) Macroinvertebrate On-going Poultney Union H.S. Poultney River main stem, RiverWatch monitoring Poultney Every five years, on a rotating basis, a Basin Macroinvertebrate & On-going CARP Castleton River main stem, — Assessment Report is developed for each major river chemical monitoring Castleton, Fair Haven basin in the state. The assessment is based on the results Water quality (TP, turb) On-going PMWP Poultney River main stem VTDEC - LaRosa Lab of water quality monitoring programs, and evaluations and E. coli sampling of the existing water quality in the basin and known threats to that water quality. The assessment process Spring Phosphorus On-going DEC–Lakes Section Poultney Mettowee basin Phosphorus, dissolved rotational lakes & ponds oxygen, water clarity itself, for any given basin, takes about two years. The Poultney River [TP] development of a Basin Plan will follow each Basin Monitoring Assessment Report. The Poultney Mettawee Watersheds for Lake Champlain TMDL Water Quality & Assessment Report (VTDEC, 1999) Lake Assessments On-going DEC–Lakes Section Lake Bomoseen, Lake St. Substrate, access, shore serves as a reference guide for water quality conditions Catherine, Lake Hortonia, line features, adjacent in the Poultney Mettowee Basin and has been used Beebe Lake, Glen Lake land use, pH, dissolved, extensively in the creation of this basin plan. The fol- Sunset Lake, Sunrise Lake, oxygen, water clarity, lowing assessment and monitoring has been conducted Burr Pond (Sudbury), Inman algae, shoreline devel- or is currently underway in the Poultney Mettowee Pond, Hinkum Pond, Mudd opment & erosion, Basin: (See table 6) Pond (Benson), Perch Pond, wilderness characteris- Black Pond, Austin Pond, tics, natural communities, Doughty Pond, Echo Pond & non-native species (Hubbardton), Mill Pond

34 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan Assessment Title Date Lead Waterway/Location Protocols/Summary Key: Organization(s) AAFM – Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets Lake Assessments (cont.) (Benson), Perch Pond, Pine DEC – Vermont Department of Environmental Pond, Root Pond, Old Conservation Marsh Pond, Roach Pond, Choate Pond, Half Moon DEC’s BASS – Biomonitoring and Aquatic Studies Section Pond, and Breese Pond Service Lay Monitoring Program On-going VTDEC with volunteers Lake Bomoseen, Lake St. Water clarity, DFPR – Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recre- Catherine, Beebe Lake, Total Phosphorus, ation Sunrise Lake, Sunset Lake Chlorophyll-a, CARP – Castleton River Area Project, Fair Haven Grade Temperature School Wetlands Assessments GMC – Green Mountain College Signifi cant Wetlands of On-going VTDEC–Wetlands Lake Bomoseen wetland, Qualitative assessment of NRCS – USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service the Poultney Mettowee Section, VTF&W, VNRC West Rutland Marsh, the wetlands Watershed Ward Marsh PMNRCD – Poultney Mettowee Natural Resource Conser- vation District Hazardous Waste, Landfi ll, & Wastewater Treatment Facility Monitoring PMWP – Poultney Mettowee Watershed Partnership Various DEC site On-going VTDEC–WMD and Unnamed trib to the Groundwater and surface monitoring database WWMD Mettowee River–West water monitoring at RPCs – Rutland Regional Planning Commission inventories Pawlet, Castleton River– hazardous waste sites, TNC – The Nature Conservancy Fair Haven, unnamed trib wastewater treatment to Wells Brook, Wells facilities, and landfi lls VNRC – Vermont Natural Resource Council Sites are summarized VT F&W – Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife in the Basin 2 Report. VTDEC – WMD – Waste management Division Chemical Assessments– 2002 VTDEC Castleton, Hubbardton, VTDEC–LaRosa Lab Heavy metals and Poultney Rivers WWMD – Wastewater Management Division Agricultural Related Assessments Watershed Plan, Lower AAFM, NRCS, PMNRCD, Lower Poultney River Inventory and plan that Poultney River, VT and TNC, PMWP, VTDEC watershed–downstream addresses waste NY of Carvers Falls management system needs (phosphorus) & cropland erosion. Comprehensive Watershed Assessment Reports & Plans Basin 2- Poultney 1999 DEC–Planning Section Poultney Mettowee Comprehensive Mettowee Basin 5-year rotation Basin review of physical, Assessment Report chemical, & biological monitoring & assessments Poultney Mettowee 1975 DEC Poultney Mettowee Addresses municipal Basin Water Quality Watershed wastewater facility needs Management Plan and to a lesser degree non-point source Table 6. Summary of Previous and On-going Physical, pollution & lake Chemical, and Biological Assessments of the Poultney eutrophication Mettowee Basin

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 35 tional by the Board. Section IV of the report has been swamp, (4) Harrison Sod Farm above the confluence of adopted as the Agency management plan that articulates the Hubbardton and Poultney Rivers, (5) Trinity Farm the Agency’s regulatory responsibilities to preserve and Clayplain on the Hubbardton River floodplain, and and enhance exceptional values of the Lower Poultney (6) Ward Marsh and East Bay near Lake Champlain. River. Rosgen Level 2 Assessments were made at a study site representative of the stream type at five of the study • Poultney River Riparian Habitat and Geomorphic areas, and vegetation analysis was conducted using a Assessment Rapid Community Assessment at 33 field sites repre- The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has made the Poultney senting the range of wetland vegetation present in the River watershed a national level priority, and has six study areas. included the river among 50 waterways in North and • Hubbardton River Restoration Initiative South America to receive intensive freshwater conservation as part of TNC’s Freshwater Initiative program. As The Hubbardton River was identified in the Poultney River Watershed Wetland and Riparian Habitat Castleton River in Fair Haven part of its Freshwater Initiative on the Poultney, riparian and wetland habitats at lower elevations were assessed Assessment (Field, Graves and Doyle 2001) as an area in summer 2000. where lack of riparian vegetation, presence of erod- • A Classification of the Aquatic Communities of ing river banks, presence of a rare natural community, The major goals of the assessment were to (1) describe Vermont (VTDEC – Biomonitoring and Aquatic and presence of fine clay soils indicate that restoration the range and diversity of natural wetland communities Studies Section, 1998) would meet multiple restoration objectives. In addition, and river conditions in the study area, and (2) identify there are many landowners along the mainstem of the The Vermont Office of the Nature Conservancy initi- wetlands and river reaches that could be improved Hubbardton River that are willing to participate in res- ated the Vermont Biodiversity Project in 1996. This through restoration. The principle investigators com- toration programs. The Poultney-Mettowee Watershed endeavor involved the talents of individuals from many bined their backgrounds in geomorphology, hydrology, Partnership along with The Nature Conservancy, disciplines and institutions in Vermont. The general plant ecology, and restoration to conduct a non-point Rutland County NRCS, the Poultney-Mettowee NRCD, goal of the conservation plan included in the Vermont source and stream channel condition visual assessment, USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife, VT DEC Water Biodiversity Project is “to maintain ecological integrity a geomorphic stream assessment, and a wetland and Quality Division, and local landowners have begun to in a manner that insures the long-term viability of all riparian vegetation assessment. Digital map data on develop a restoration plan for the Hubbardton River. native species and natural community types in Vermont elevation, soil type, and land cover type were used to Green Mountain College has offered to be a consultant within their natural ranges” (Vermont BDP, 1996). identify wetlands and areas that may have supported through the planning process. Among the many specific objectives associated with wetlands prior to land conversion, and were used to this goal is the classification of natural aquatic com- analyze river morphology in a Rosgen Level 1 assess- The primary goal of this restoration project is to re- munities and the subsequent identification of priority ment. Channel and bank conditions were mapped in a establish this unique, clayplain forest natural commu- conservation areas associated with each of the particular geographic information system (GIS) for the entire main nity along the mainstem of the Hubbardton River. The classes. The resulting classifications will be used to stems of the Poultney and its two major tributaries, the restoration project would also address a second goal identify priority conservation areas as well as species Hubbardton and Castleton Rivers. Based on maps, aerial of the Partnership, which is to reduce the high sedi- and community distributions. photographs, and preliminary inspection in the field, six ment load that characterizes the entire mainstem of the • The Lower Poultney River Outstanding Resource areas were selected for the intensive geomorphic and Hubbardton. The project will be used as a demonstration of effective stream corridor management practices Water Report, 1992 vegetation assessments, representing a range of river conditions and vegetation. Each study area included for municipal officials, farmers, anglers, ecologists, In June 1991, the Water Resources Board designated reference wetlands as well as potential restoration sites. business entities, and other landowners. the Lower Poultney River as a Vermont Outstanding The study areas are (1) Middletown Springs on the Resource Water (ORW). The Agency of Natural upper Poultney River floodplain, (2) Green Mountain Resources released the report on this designation to College and the Poultney River floodplain between inform the public of those river values deemed excep- Poultney and Fair Haven, (3) West Rutland marsh and

36 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan • Mettowee River and Flower Brook Geomorphic The Lake Champlain Basin Program’s “Opportunities defined phosphorus loading targets for each lake Assessment for Action” Plan is a pollution prevention, control, segment watershed in Vermont and New York and and restoration plan. The governors of New York and made preliminary allocations to point and nonpoint During July 2001 a number of geomorphologic and Vermont and the regional administrators of the USEPA sources within each watershed. The Lake Champlain physical features of the Mettowee River were mapped endorsed the Plan in October 1996. The 1996 Plan Phosphorus TMDL is the next step in the refinement of while walking and canoeing the entire 70 km (44 mile) called for periodic updates and 2001 marks the first the phosphorus reduction plan for the lake. length of the river, 37 km (23 miles) of which flows in revision of the Plan. The main goals of the plan contin- Vermont. The mapped features included bank stability, A TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) is the maximum ue to be: improving water quality throughout the Lake bank composition, channel bottom morphology, location amount (load) of a single pollutant from all contribut- Champlain basin; protecting the basin’s living natural of wood and woody debris jams, and location of barri- ing point and nonpoint sources that a waterbody can resources; and preserving and enhancing the region’s ers to fish passage. All of these mapped features were receive and still meet water quality standards, and an rich cultural and recreational resources. Three priorities input into a GIS (Geographic Information Systems) allocation of that amount to the pollutant’s sources. The were identified to protect and restore ecological and project along with information on riparian buffer width Federal Clean Water Act, Section 303, establishes the cultural resources of the Basin while maintaining a vital mapped from digital aerial photography. The signifi- water quality standards and TMDL programs. A TMDL economy for the region: cant tributaries of the Mettowee River were mapped in a is required for Lake Champlain because phosphorus similar fashion during June 2002. The significant find- • Reduce phosphorus in priority sub basins (such as the concentrations in many segments of the lake are higher ings of the geomorphologic mapping for the Vermont Poultney Mettowee basin) of Lake Champlain than the levels allowed in the Vermont Water Quality Standards. portion of the Mettowee River and Flower Brook are • Prevent and control persistent toxic contaminants summarized in the tables contained in the full report The Lake Champlain Phosphorus TMDL sets target load • Develop and implement a comprehensive program to (Field, 2002). More than 40 percent of the Mettowee reductions for each Lake Champlain lake segment, of manage nuisance nonnative aquatic species River in Vermont is classified as either eroding, moder- which the Poultney River flows into “South Lake B”. ately eroding, or protected by riprap. Perhaps counter The Plan also suggests building capacity for local-level The nonpoint phosphorus load to the lake in 1991 was intuitively, there is actually a slightly lower likelihood implementation. Local capabilities for watershed plan- 24.8 metric tons/year (total load was 28 metric/year). for erosion to occur adjacent to where the riparian buf- ning vary greatly throughout the Champlain Basin in Under the Lake Champlain Long-term Water Quality fer is absent compared to other reaches of the river. both New York and Vermont. In some areas, munici- and Biological Monitoring Project, VT DEC will be Analysis of the data shows that only 26 percent of the palities have already developed watershed plans and able to determine, over the long term, whether the phos- eroding banks occur adjacent to areas without a ripar- instituted aggressive water quality protection measures. phorus loads at the mouth of the Poultney River as well ian buffer although 34 percent of the river’s length has Municipalities in these areas typically benefit from as the concentrations in the South Lake “B” segment are no riparian buffer. Similarly, eroding banks on Flower ongoing technical support from the Department of meeting or exceeding the applicable loading targets and Brook also have a slightly lower likelihood of occurring Environmental Conservation, watershed associations, lake water quality standards. adjacent to where the riparian buffer is absent with 24 regional planning commissions, and county planning The Vermont DEC Basin Planning process will play percent of the length of eroding bank occurring along offices or conservation districts. the 27 percent of Flower Brook without riparian buf- an important role in the implementation of the Lake fer. The reasons for why there does not appear to be a • Lake Champlain Phosphorus TMDL– VTDEC, Champlain Phosphorus TMDL. With the adoption of greater likelihood for erosion where the riparian buffer 2002 the Lake Champlain Phosphorus TMDL, in 2003, point is absent is unclear but may indicate that other variables and nonpoint source management to reduce phospho- The Lake Champlain Management Conference identi- are more important controls on streambank erosion such rus loading has become an important element of basin fied phosphorus reduction as one of the top manage- as soil type, bank height, presence of riprap, and chan- plans, especially where substantial phosphorus reduc- ment priorities for the lake in the 1996 basin plan nel morphology (i.e., channel adjustment processes and tions are required by the TMDL for river basins that Opportunities for Action. On a basin-wide level, stage of channel evolution). drain into Lake Champlain. It is likely that necessary the States of Vermont and New York, the province changes or additions to the implementation items pre- • Lake Champlain Basin Program “Opportunities of Quebec, and many other cooperating groups and sented in the TMDL will be identified as the planning for Action: An Evolving Plan for the Lake Champ- agencies have committed to participate in the Lake process continues. lain Basin” Champlain Basin planning process. The basin plan

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 37 Chapter 4 Addressing Local Goals for Surface Waters

Water quality impairment was identified as a major water quality necessary to support water-based recre- concern in the Poultney Mettowee Basin in focus group ation. Finally, improving fisheries habitat will result in discussions and public forums. Agricultural runoff, increased native fish populations, which will also be invasive plant species, inadequate sewage treatment, enhanced by a reduction of sedimentation and thermal and streambank erosion were the concerns most often modification. mentioned. The project objectives and strategies identified in this Focus group discussions and public forums identified chapter are based on the ongoing efforts of the Poultney and ranked water quality concerns that are addressed Mettowee Watershed Partnership (Partnership), the in this water quality management plan for the Poultney Poultney Mettowee Natural Resource Conservation Mettowee basin. Surface water quality is impaired by District (PMNRCD), the Rutland Regional Planning point and nonpoint sources of pollution from agricul- Commission (RRPC), The Rutland District of the ture, forestry, and urbanization. The basin planning USDA-NRCS, the US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFW), process emphasizes collaborative efforts to correct the US Forest Service (USFS), and the VT Agency of water quality problems through voluntary cooperation Natural Resources (ANR) to improve and protect stream by landowners and the Poultney Mettowee Natural corridors. Resource Conservation District. If, despite efforts, The following information contains strategies for waters still do not meet water quality standards, a addressing the concerns listed above in Chapter 3. The TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) may still be nec- emphasis is on improving water quality by addressing essary. The Clean Water Act requires impaired waters specific issues rather than river areas. (This approach to be identified by the State and reported under Section serves to educate and inform about these issues, and 303(d). For a complete statutory reference for federal provides assistance in management planning for the and state obligations addressed through this planning future.) It should be emphasized that strategies are process, refer to the statutory index preceding the being developed from the ground-up, and as a result, are appendices. still evolving. To address both local concerns and general water qual- The strategies included in this basin plan were devel- ity problems, the Agency of Natural Resources, the oped in a “report card” format. In delineating a timeline Poultney Mettowee Watershed Partnership, and others and benchmarks, the report card can be used to evaluate have been working together to address: stream channel the progress gained through the implementation of vari- instability and streambank erosion, water quality aware- ous strategies. In this regard, the report card can be used ness, nonpoint source pollution, impacts to fisheries, to gage the effectiveness of the strategies that have been pathogens, and aquatic nuisance species. Addressing implemented since the adoption of the basin plan. When stream channel instability and streambank erosion will it comes time to review the current basin plan in antici- reduce sedimentation, thermal modification, and turbid- pation of drafting a new version, the report card can be ity in rivers. Improving awareness of water quality will used to evaluate the effectiveness of the strategies that improve both the community’s and the Agency’s under- were originally developed, and modified or updated if standing of the present conditions, including pathogen necessary. levels, leading to more informed solutions. Improving spread prevention tactics for managing aquatic nuisance The format of the report card is as follows: species will improve recreational opportunities that will help to foster the community’s interest in protecting the

38 Tree planting along the banks of the Mettowee PoultneyPoultney MMettoweeettowee WWatershedatershed BasBasinin PPlanlan According to the Lake Champlain Phosphorus TMDL, Agricultural land in the basin contributes a substantial GOAL: (To improve water quality) the Vermont DEC river basin planning process plays percentage of the nonpoint source phosphorus loads to an important role in the reduction of nonpoint source Lake Champlain. For this reason, many farmers have • Objective (To implement effective practices pollution (NPS), especially as it pertains to phospho- been implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) that will improve water quality) rus. “Basin planning includes assessing both beneficial to prevent agricultural runoff from entering nearby Strategy (The specifi c practice that can water-related resources and water impairments, ranking waterways. Many of the farmers’ management practices be implemented to achieve the goal) these and carrying out on-the-ground projects to restore have been successful. Estimates from 2001 show that and protect waters” (VT DEC, 2002). The watershed a total of 16.1 metric tons of phosphorus per year have • Lead Agency/Organization: approach helps communities address water quality been removed from agricultural nonpoint sources in the Who is responsible for implementing the problems caused by NPS pollution and looks at not Basin since 1995 (Source: Lake Champlain Basin Pro- strategy. only a waterbody but also the entire area that drains into gram Fact Sheet #2 Non-Point Source Pollution). • Partners: Other organizations and/or it. Public and private groups have developed and used stakeholders needed for pollution prevention and reduction initiatives and NPS implementation. pollution controls, referred to as strategies in this Basin GOAL: To reduce nonpoint source Plan, to clean up our water efficiently. Water qual- • Potential funding sources: For ity monitoring and environmental education activities pollution implementation of the strategy. supported by government agencies, industry, volunteer • Objectives (Listed from highest priority ) • Time frame: The anticipated time it will groups, and schools have provided information about take either for implementation of the NPS pollution. 1. Reduce nutrients and sediments that enter strategy or to bring about the surface waters from agricultural land uses. The process of urbanization is rapidly transforming desired outcome of implementation. Vermont’s landscape. These changing land uses can 2. Protect geomorphically stable reaches of • Benchmark: The desired outcome of have a negative impact on our water resources. The lack rivers and streams, especially in critical areas implementation of the strategy (i.e., of adequate planning, coordination, and management as identifi ed through geomorphic 10 additional river miles where riparian have resulted in the degradation of our waterbodies and assessments. buffers have been re-established). the destruction of wildlife habitat. Valuable open space 3. Reduce gravel erosion from unpaved roads. needed to filter runoff and recharge aquifers is being Reduce back road runoff and nutrient paved or turned into impervious surfaces. This added enrichment of surface waters through better The following is a list of the most important issues, ob- impervious surface increases runoff that may increase back road practices. jectives and strategies that have been identified through erosion and change drainage patterns so as to concen- the planning process. trate flow and cause flooding. More intense land use 4. Establish excellent erosion control practice 4.1 Improving Water Quality also typically generates significant pollutant loadings on construction sites as the accepted norm even when best management practices are used. The for the watershed. Vermont 303(d) list contains numerous waterbodies af- 5. Institutionalize periodic educational NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION fected by urbanization and reflect increased recognition opportunities for municipal offi cials and that the designated uses of many waterbodies cannot be others to receive updated information on Each section of Lake Champlain has a water quality achieved without incorporating specific low impact de- stormwater management. standard for phosphorus. The standards were set after velopment practices that will reduce storm water runoff much study so that, if met, the Lake would not have and the associated pollutant load. In this way, communi- excessive noxious algae. Unfortunately, several of the ties can continue to grow without further degrading their segments presently exceed the water quality standard for waterbodies; and in some cases, will be able to grow to a phosphorus. Therefore a plan or “allocation” to reduce certain degree while contributing to watershed restora- the amount of phosphorus reaching the Lake from each tion efforts. tributary river has been formulated in the Lake Champ- lain TMDL (Chapter 3).

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 39 3. Implement riparian buffer planting, river man- Strategies: Objective 1: Reduce nutrients and agement alternatives analysis, and geomorphi- sediments that enter surface waters from cally-viable streambank stabilization practices. The Department of Environmental Conservation River agricultural land uses. Management Program is working with its partners Lead Agency/Organization: PMNRCD to focus on the long-term benefi ts of a geomorphic Partners: AAFM, USDA/NRCS, EPA management approach to both property owners Strategies: and riparian ecosystems. The assessment of stream Potential funding sources: State and federal condition, sensitivity, and adjustment process is an Agricultural sources of nutrients include fertiliz- programs ideal tool for problem solving in a watershed context ers, manure, and crop residues. The nutrients from because it provides partners with an assessment of Time frame: Ongoing these sources are often carried to surface waters by stable reaches that should be given high priority for overland runoff. Nutrient levels should decrease as Benchmark: These activities are occurring conservation as well as those reaches that are out current state and federal programs and better en- of adjustment, and likely candidates for restoration 4. Encourage the composting of animal manure and forcement of Accepted Agricultural Practices work projects. Geomorphic assessments now underway in animal mortalities, which have not been widely to decrease nonpoint source pollution from agricul- the Castleton and Mettowee river watersheds are adopted or promoted. tural activities. necessary for restoration projects to proceed in the Lead Agency/Organization: Composting As- context of watershed planning and stream channel 1. Assist farm operators to enter into cost-share sociation of Vermont assessment. and other conservation programs that will help sustain the working landscape in the basin. Partners: AAFM, PMNRCD, USDA/NRCS, EPA 6. Conduct Phase 1 geomorphic assessments for each river system in the basin and use assessment Lead Agency/Organization: AAFM Potential funding sources: State and federal information for planning and project implemen- programs Partners: PMNRCD, USDA/NRCS, EPA tation. Time frame: Ongoing Potential funding sources: State and federal Lead Agency/Organization: PMWP, VTDEC programs Benchmark: Provide educational workshops for Rivers Management Program agricultural producers Time frame: Ongoing Partners: USFW, PMNRCD, VTFW, AAFM, USDA- 5. Provide technical assistance to farmers who are NRCS, Rutland RPC, VT DEC Rivers Manage- Benchmark: Farm operators enroll in cost/ experiencing loss of productive land as a result of ment Program, riparian landowners, towns share programs erosion channels in farm fi elds (Ranked # 7 by the Potential funding sources: DEC grant pro- 2. Encourage agricultural practices such as nutri- public Prioritization Process). grams, other state and federal programs ent management planning, conservation tillage, Lead Agency/Organization: USDA-NRCS fencing, riparian area protection, and the devel- Time frame: Ongoing opment of alternative livestock watering supply. Partners: PMNRCD, USDA/NRCS, EPA, AAFM Benchmark: Once strategically located sites Lead Agency/Organization: PMNRCD Potential funding sources: State and federal have been selected, develop restoration proj- programs ects based on that assessment information. Partners: AAFM, USDA/NRCS, EPA Time frame: 2009 7. Work with towns and the Rutland Regional Plan- Potential funding sources: State and federal ning Commission to strengthen riparian and river programs Benchmark: Farmers experiencing loss of corridor protection language in town plans and productive land are receiving technical assis- Time frame: Ongoing zoning regulations: tance as requested Benchmark: These types of agricultural Lead Agency/Organization: Rutland Regional Planning Commission practices are occurring Objective 2: Protect geomorphically stable reaches of rivers and streams, especially in Partners: Towns in the basin, VTDEC – Water critical areas as identifi ed through geomor- Quality Division Planning phic assessments. Potential funding sources: DEC grant programs, other state and federal programs

40 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan Time frame: Ongoing Lead Agency/Organization: PMWP 11. Create an outreach and education program (using the new Erosion Prevention Handbook: http:// Benchmark: Strengthen riparian protection Partners: VTDEC, VT Local Roads Program, www.vtwaterquality.org/DOCSoilErosion.htm) for language in town plans and zoning regulations Better Backroads Program, towns in the landowners, contractors, and municipalities that for towns in the Poultney Mettowee Basin basin. are about to embark on construction projects cov- 8. Fund and implement the Conservation Reserve Potential funding sources: Better Backroads ering erosion and sediment control plans, neces- Enhancement Program (CREP and CRP) for Basin Program / PMWP and state and federal sary permits, and technical assistance that may be landowners. The federal and state Conservation programs available for such projects. Reserve Enhancement Program will help to pro- Time frame: 2008 Lead Agency/Organization: VTDEC, AGC, vide a greater level of economic incentive than is PMWP presently available from the federal government. Benchmark: Host workshops in each major river basin by 2008 (Poultney, Castleton, Partners: LCBP, Rutland RPC, local towns, Lead Agency/Organization: AAFM Hubbardton, and Mettowee) USDA-NRCS, Partners: PMNRCD, USDA/FSA, EPA, NRCS 10. Conduct back road assessments using AOT/ANR Potential funding sources: VTDEC grant pro- Potential funding sources: State and federal Bridge and Culvert protocols. Target bridge and grams, other state and federal programs programs culverts in need of replacement or repair. Time frame: Ongoing Time frame: By 2006 Lead Agency/Organization: Towns in the Benchmark: Not applicable basin Benchmark: Riparian buffer acreage enrolled 12. As part of EPA phase I stormwater regulations, in CREP Partners: VTANR, VT Local Roads Program, assist with the issuance of General Permits to Better Backroads Program, PMWP sanction the discharge of stormwater from con- Potential funding sources: Better Backroads struction sites, which requires the development Objective 3: Reduce gravel erosion from Program / PMWP and state and federal and submittal of an erosion and sediment control unpaved roads. Reduce back road runoff programs plan for any construction project that disturbs be- and nutrient enrichment of surface waters tween one and fi ve (or more) acres of soil, includ- Time frame: 2008 through better back road practices. ing any disturbance of less than fi ve acres which is Benchmark: Make recommendations regard- part of a larger common plan that will result in a Strategies: ing bridges and culverts in need of replace- total of fi ve or more acres of disturbance. Phase II ment or repair based on assessments requirement will extend to any new construction A survey of Rutland County towns (Rutland NRCD, site that disturbs an acre or greater. 1999) estimated that approximately 5,600 cubic yards Establish excellent erosion of road gravel is exported from roads to surface Objective 4: Lead Agency/Organization: EPA, VTDEC control practice on construction sites as the waters annually that contributes to the sedimentation Partners: Rutland RPC, local towns, and nutrient enrichment of waterways in the basin. accepted norm for the watershed. Potential funding sources: VTDEC grant pro- 9. Hold Better Backroads and VTrans workshops Strategies: grams, other state and federal programs with town highway managers and crews to increase awareness of maintenance measures An erosion control plan provides guidance and Time frame: 2007 practices for preventing the discharge of sediment that will reduce back road erosion. Encourage Benchmark: Assist 10 towns in the basin to from construction sites, minimizing the extent and participation in the Better Backroads Program. develop MSGP plans. Provide more funding to conservation districts duration of soil disturbance, maintaining existing and regional planning commissions to conduct drainage-ways and vegetation, and protecting workshops within their region on erosion control riparian buffer areas from disturbance. Provisions techniques and capital budget planning for road should be established at the municipal level for managers, and on the basics of road maintenance erosion control at small construction sites not un- needs and policies to support these techniques der the jurisdiction of the state general permit. for selectboards and other town offi cials.

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 41 Figure 7. Five Stages of Channel Evolution Objective 5: Institutionalize periodic educational opportunities for municipal of- STREAM CHANNEL ADJUSTMENT fi cials and others to receive updated informa- PROCESSES tion on stormwater. The condition of instability (channel adjustment processes) of stream channels generally can be traced to Strategy: anthropogenic sources such as developments within Lawn runoff, pet waste, erosion, atmospheric deposi- active floodplains and channel management activities tion, sludge, and septic systems are urban sources of such as gravel mining, dredging, and general changes in nutrients that are carried to surface waters in storm- watershed hydrology (VTDEC, 2002). There have been water runoff. These sources are able to reach surface many instances of streambank stabilization projects in waters easily because of the large amount of impervi- the watershed in the past, mainly due to agricultural ous surfaces in urban areas. Impervious surfaces do activities and transportation infrastructure. Riprap, with not allow runoff and its associated pollutants to be rock or locally available slate, is an inexpensive, effec- absorbed into the ground. The increased development predicted for the basin has the potential to tive method of bank stabilization that has been cost- increase nutrient levels in adjacent surface waters. shared with federal NRCS programs. 13. Hold urban best management practices work- Stream channel adjustment is common on both major shops for municipal offi cials and residents in the rivers and their tributaries. Natural processes, as well watershed, such as the recent Multi-Sector Gen- as watershed, channel, and floodplain modifications, eral permit workshop held in Rutland. Encourage including cattle access and crossings and inadequate the implementation of stormwater Best Manage- buffers contribute to channel instability and streambank ment Practices where stormwater has an impact erosion problems. The loss of cropland is a problem on surface waters. on several of the farms in the watershed. There is also Lead Agency/Organization: VTDEC erosion taking place adjacent to critical areas, such as livestock concentration areas, streambanks, gullies Partners: Rutland RPC, town road crews, PMWP and eroding pastures. Streambank and stream chan- Potential funding sources: State and federal nel erosion for rivers in adjustment represent a poten- Figure 6. Five stages of channel evolution showing headcut- programs tially enormous source of phosphorus loading to Lake ting that leads to bed lowering and fl oodplain redevelop- ment. Source: Schumm Channel Evolution Model, 1977 and Time frame: Ongoing Champlain (VTDEC, LC-TMDL, 2002). 1984 Benchmark: New urban development and The stream channels in the Poultney Mettowee Basin implementation of stormwater best manage- are still recovering from earlier disturbances such as erode its way through the five-stage channel evolution ment practices. gravel mining and other channel modifications. In the process, depicted in Figure 7, until it has created a new 18th and 19th centuries, the building of roads and rail- floodplain at a lower elevation in the landscape. roads within the floodplains, land clearing for agriculture and housing, and the moving of streams to accom- Only in the past 2 years has interest begun to increase modate agriculture resulted in unstable and adjusting in considering different methods of stabilization, called river channels. Following the flood of 1973, large-scale natural (or “stable”) channel design, where channel channelization practices were employed to reclaim dam- management and streambank stabilization methods are aged lands. Post-flood channel straightening and gravel designed to be consistent with the channel evolution mining has had the effect of steepening the stream chan- process. Bank revetments employed essentially “buf- nels. A steep channel in a relatively flat valley may ini- fer” the ongoing channel adjustments to allow a woody tiate a bed degradation process referred to as “headcut- riparian buffer to become established as a more perma- nent and self-maintaining form of bank stabilization. Culvert on Castleton River ting.” Once a stream begins to headcut, it will typically

42 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 2002. Recent efforts to use the ANR Geomorphic As- GOAL: Encourage stream channel adjustment processes towards a stable sessment protocols have picked up where these GMC researchers left off. This work serves as a base to con- regime by encouraging activity that is consistent with the river evolution duct in-depth geomorphic assessments of the major process and at the same time, work to minimize confl icts, and balance the rivers in the basin and their tributaries that can lead need to protect economic investments in infrastructure and natural pro- to the planning and design of projects to control erosion. Protecting stable reaches (conservation reaches) cesses while recognizing the dynamic equilibrium of river systems and dif- of a river is less expensive and time consuming than ferent phases of adjustment. attempting to repair eroding streambanks and accelerate channel adjustment processes. • Objectives (Listed from highest priority ) 14. Conduct ANR Phase 1 and 2 stream geomorphic The following objectives represent the range of possible outcomes produced through the analysis assessments in sub-basins throughout the water- of river management alternatives. To the greatest extent possible, an analysis of alternatives will precede shed to identify stable and adjusting reaches. Use the implementation of river corridor protection, management and restoration projects (see Appendix E). past geomorphic assessments. 1. Based on geomorphic assessments of the Mettowee River, plan, design, and implement riparian res- Lead Agency/Organizations: RRPC and PMWP toration projects to control erosion and stabilize streambanks (Ranked # 1 for Issue Prioritization Pro- cess). Stabilize sections of the Poultney River streambank identifi ed in the Green Mountain College/ Partners: ANR – Department of Environmental Nature Conservancy (funded in part through the EPA) geomorphic assessment of the river (Ranked # Conservation, Rivers Management Program, 9 for Issue Prioritization Process). USFWS, USFS, NRCS, , PMNRCD, GMC, CSC, and 2. Expand land use practices and programs (Best Management Practices and Accepted Agricultural Prac- Potential funding sources: PMWP with state tices) that provide a greater emphasis on riparian corridor management activities. Encourage stream and federal programs, area colleges, municipal channel adjustment processes towards a stable regime and improve riparian buffers. planning grants. 3. Increase participation and involvement of towns in stream corridor protection. Promote an “Adopt a Time frame: Ongoing Stream” program that encourages riparian stewardship by landowners. Benchmark: Increase the linear miles of as- 4. Develop and implement successful stream restoration projects that incorporate stable channel design sessed streams over the next 5 years. techniques. 5. Conduct comprehensive assessments when replacing infrastructure that is in confl ict with natural Objective 2: Expand land use practices and stream stabilization processes, utilizing the recently updated ANR/AOT bridge and culvert assessment programs (Best Management Practices and protocols. Accepted Agricultural Practices) that provide 6. Maintain and enhance relationships among riparian landowners and link riparian corridor restoration a greater emphasis on riparian corridor man- efforts where possible. agement activities. Encourage stream channel adjustment processes towards a stable regime and improve riparian buffers. Strategy: Objective 1: Based on geomorphic Strategy: assessments of the Mettowee River, plan, de- Conduct basin-wide stream geomorphic assessments sign, and implement riparian restoration proj- to identify the physical condition, sensitivity, and Ensuring that current Accepted Agricultural Practices ects to control erosion and stabilize stream- adjustment process for rivers and streams in the (AAPs), Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Ac- banks. Stabilize sections of the Poultney River watershed. Both the Poultney and Mettowee Rivers ceptable Management Practices (AMPs) are implemented and maintained will lessen land use impacts streambank identifi ed in the Green Mountain have undergone certain phases of this assessment process. Researchers from Green Mountain College to river stability. Promoting these best management College/ Nature Conservancy (funded in part (GMC) have produced insightful reports based on practices will keep sediment and excess water runoff through the EPA) geomorphic assessment of preliminary geomorphic assessments from 2000 until to a minimum. the river.

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 43 15. Implement best management practices as they Lead Agency/Organization: VTANR, USFW, Lead Agency/Organization: RRPC apply to various land uses to ensure their effec- USFS Partners: ANR, Municipal Planners, EPA, PMWP tiveness and expand practices to include monitor- Partners: DFPR, DF&W, Department of Environ- Potential funding sources: Clean Water Act ing and assessment of their effectiveness. mental Conservation, towns Section 604(b) pass through funds, Federal Lead Agency/Organization: ANR, AAFM, DFPR Potential funding sources: State and federal Emergency Management Funds, other state Partners: PMNRCD, PMWP, GMC, DEC, RRPC, programs and federal programs USDA-NRCS, USFW, local residents Time frame: Ongoing Time frame: Ongoing Potential funding sources: DEC grant pro- Benchmark: Increase miles of State and feder- Benchmark: Language in town plans or zoning grams, other state and federal programs ally owned riparian zones that are vegetated that promotes increased protection of water Time frame: Ongoing with trees and shrubs. resources in each town. Benchmark: Implement BMPs for various land 19. Develop and hold workshops for state employ- 21. Develop criteria for allocating state river restora- uses as they apply to riparian areas and surface ees who issue permits or develop or implement tion funds and technical assistance that prioritize water protection. projects that potentially place infrastructure in projects in watersheds where geomorphic assess- confl ict with natural stream processes. 16. Review the current Accepted Agricultural Prac- ments have been completed. Provide incentives tices (AAPs) as they apply to farms in the basin Lead Agency/Organization: ANR – EAD, VTDEC to towns for riparian buffer protection, including water and shoreline management policies and to assure the appropriate application of these Partners: VTrans/AOT, VT Local Roads Program practices to maximize their effi ciency. road maintenance techniques. Potential funding sources: State programs Lead Agency/Organization: AAFM Lead Agency/Organization: VTDEC Time frame: Ongoing Partners: PMNRCD, USDA-NRCS, DEC, USDA/ Partners: RRPC, PMWP, towns in the basin. Benchmark: Development and presentation of FSA, EPA, and VYCC Potential funding source: Clean Water Act workshops on stream stabilization processes. Potential funding sources: State and federal Section 604(b) pass through funds, other State programs and federal programs Objective 3: Increase participation and Time frame: By 2008 Time frame: By 2005 involvement of towns in stream corridor pro- Benchmark: Development of criteria for al- Benchmark: Review of AAP practices used by tection. Promote an “Adopt a Stream” pro- agricultural operations. locating river restoration funds and technical gram that encourages riparian stewardship by assistance. 17. Develop and implement river corridor restoration landowners. projects on unstable river reaches that include 22. Establish an “Adopt-a-Stream” program that pro- habitat restoration using geomorphic-based stabi- Strategies: motes riparian stewardship amongst landowners. lization techniques. Through a river reach analysis process, landown- The Rutland Regional Planning Commission has in- ers would be given the stewardship tools neces- Lead Agency/Organization: USFWS – Partners corporated strategies into the Rutland Regional Plan sary to provide for long-term assessment and for Wildlife Program that strengthens water quality planning efforts and implementation of river reach adoption. recommends that towns increase their involvement in Partners: PMWP, PMNRCD, USDA-NRCS, towns, Lead Agency/Organization: VTDEC VYCC, stream teams the protection of surface waters. 20. Offer information and technical support to Partners: PMWP, towns on a sub-basin level, Potential funding sources: DEC grant pro- PMNRCD grams, other state and federal programs selectboards and planners on the local planning, zoning and regulatory opportunities to avoid Potential funding source: Not known Time frame: Ongoing every spring future confl icts with fl uvial erosion hazards and Time frame: Ongoing Benchmark: Increase linear miles of riparian protect or enhance river corridors and water zones with trees and shrubs. quality. Promote the guidance document, “Local Benchmark: “Adopt-a-Stream” program estab- Planning and Zoning Options for Water Quality lished in basin. 18. Increase riparian buffers on State and federal Protection.” lands.

44 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan This may include meeting annually to develop a Objective 4: Develop and implement suc- plan for ranking river corridor restoration. Objective 5: Conduct comprehensive as- cessful stream restoration projects that incor- Lead Agency/Organization: PMWP sessments when replacing infrastructure that porate stable channel design techniques. Partners: ANR, USDA-NRCS, PMNRCD, USFWS, is in confl ict with natural stream stabilization USFS processes, utilizing the recently updated ANR/ AOT bridge and culvert assessment protocols. Strategies: Potential funding sources: Disaster Mitigation Funding and other state and federal cost-share Based on geomorphic assessments of rivers and programs streams in the basin, rank restoration projects from Strategies: highest to lowest priority for river adjustment pro- Time frame: Ongoing 26. Hold Better Backroads and VTrans workshops cesses in the most effi cient and effective manner. Benchmark: River restoration projects that are with town highway managers and crews to When an opportunity or a crisis makes a river restora- supported by more than one resource agency. increase awareness of factors that affect natural tion project necessary in an area that has not been stream processes and the cost of stabilizing rivers surveyed, a geomorphic alternatives analysis-based 24. Assess geomorphic and ecological responses to and streams. Offer a workshop or series of work- approach should be used. Consideration should be restoration efforts. Comparisons then could be shops to train citizen groups and others about given to a passive management approach, allowing made with reference data and pre-treatment the natural dynamics of river systems. Continue to the river to continue to adjust until it reaches a stable data to assess the success of restoration efforts. host these workshops in conjunction with Green course. The ranking should refl ect the following prior- Lead Agency/Organization: ANR Mountain College and Castleton State College ity order: Partners: PMWP, USFWS, RRPC, PMNRCD, GMC, (Ranked # 6 by issue prioritization process). I. Incising reaches–river reaches that, due to distur- CSC Lead Agency/Organization: PMWP, PMNRCD, bance, have become incised enough (deepening of Potential funding sources: State and federal ANR, VT Local Roads Program river channel) to lose access to their fl oodplain. If ac- programs cess to their fl oodplain is not restored, the additional Partners: VTrans, town road crews, Rutland fl ows in the channel will destabilize other reaches. Time frame: By 2009 Regional Planning Commission (TAC) Potential funding sources: Better Backroads II. Moderate to highly degraded sites–these include Benchmark: A report assessing the morpho- Program, DEC grant programs sites that require extensive management. In most logical and ecological responses to restoration cases, restoration should only go forward once consid- efforts. Time frame: Ongoing eration has been given to upstream stability, sedi- 25. Purchase or receive donations of conservation Benchmark: A series of workshops completed ment budgets, and riparian vegetation. Restoration easements or property along riparian corridors to across towns in the watershed. projects should take place where upstream sites have conserve the property to allow for river adjust- been stabilized and watershed-wide sediment and ments without confl icting with other land uses. 27. Encourage joint projects between the Agency vegetation management plans have been implement- of Natural Resources River Restoration Teams, Lead Agency/Organization: USDA-NRCS, VLT, Rutland Regional Planning Commission (TAC) and ed. In some cases, downstream sites that have a very and TNC high degree of erosion or sedimentation may become VTrans and town road crews. a priority over high elevation areas. Partners: AAFM, ANR, PMNRCD, landowners, Lead Agency/Organization: ANR municipalities, USFS, Vermont River Conser- III. Reaches with high recovery potential–these vancy, PMWP Partners: RRPC (TAC), Town road crews, VTrans, include reaches that have a potential for self-ad- PMWP justment, where a passive approach to geomorphic Potential funding sources: CRP, municipal conservation funds, DFPR Forest Legacy Program, Potential funding sources: State and federal adjustments may be all that is required. Work should programs focus on reaches that are adjacent to stable reaches. Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, Examples include streams that have access to their other state and federal programs Time frame: Ongoing fl oodplain, but lack lateral stability due to a loss of Time frame: Ongoing Benchmark: Initiation of joint projects that riparian vegetation. Benchmark: Purchase or donation of property improve riparian corridor management. 23. Leverage existing resources for implementing along river corridor. stream corridor restoration or protection projects.

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 45 Another strategy that will support local groups fol- pieces of trash are in the river itself. The order requiring Objective 6: Maintain and enhance rela- lows: closure of the Castleton/ Fair Haven landfill cited the tionships among riparian landowners and link 28. Encourage the application of Supplemental En- potential for adverse impact on adjacent surface water. riparian corridor restoration efforts where vironmental Project (SEP) funds towards commu- Supplemental chemical and physical water quality mon- possible. nity-led projects that improve water quality in the itoring on three separate sampling dates over the course Poultney Mettowee Basin. of the summer of 2002 indicated that surface waters were not impacted. Current monitoring results suggest Strategy: Lead Agency/Organization: ANR that problematic leaching is not occurring. The sampling In the Poultney Mettowee Basin, riparian corridors are Potential funding sources: State SEP programs took place primarily for metals analysis to address land- managed and restored collaboratively by private land- Time frame: Ongoing fill assessments and hazardous waste investigations as owners, the Poultney Mettowee NRCD, USDA-Natural well as general investigations and research of health and Resource Conservation Service, US Fish and Wildlife Benchmark: Water quality improvement proj- ecological effects of metal contamination of the aquatic Service, US Forest Service, the Vermont Agency of ects in the Poultney Mettowee Basin funded environment. Despite these monitoring results, concern Natural Resources, Vermont Agency of Transporta- through SEP money. tion and others. A collaborative approach is essential. lingers over this site, and should continue to be moni- The expense of some of the projects requires many tored until this landfill is properly closed and capped. sources of funding; and one group or organization LANDFILL and SALVAGE YARD The Castleton Area River Project (CARP) has moni- cannot always complete the tasks involved. ASSESSMENT tored the river adjacent to the landfill site since 1999, The Partnership plays an important role in stream and will continue to monitor for pH, conductivity, dis- The Solid Waste Management Division of the Vermont corridor restoration. The labor provided by volunteers solved oxygen, water temperature, and water clarity. Department of Environmental Conservation has over- is often essential as a form of matching funds needed The 2001 CARP report indicates, “The old Fair Haven seen closure of the unlined Town of Pawlet Landfill. to earn grants. Volunteers from the community are dumpsite has been an area of concern. There is a great An unnamed tributary to the Mettowee River flowing excellent long-term stewards of remediated areas. deal of debris in the river, but we also found crayfish Consideration should be given to the objectives of all along the landfill has been listed on Section 303(d) and fresh water clams living in the area. We feel these partners, especially community groups, when devel- List of Impaired Waters because it receives a discharge organisms would not be able to live in this area if large oping collaborative efforts. of landfill leachate. This unnamed tributary contains levels of toxins were leaching out of the dump”. Implementation of any of the strategies should con- elevated levels of iron, manganese and zinc. In the sider the following: spring of 2000 the landfill was closed and capped. No Recently, the Poultney Mettowee Watershed Partnership subsequent leachate has been monitored. Monitoring of has identified a salvage yard in the Poultney River • The Poultney Mettowee Watershed Partnership’s ground water in wells has also revealed the mitigation Basin as a site of concern. This is primarily because work plan indicates that economic needs must be of the leachate. Additional monitoring and assessment of its location in the Poultney River floodplain. The balanced with environmental concerns. Therefore, potential loss of property, and the interest in vol- is scheduled through 2010, or until it is confirmed over dismantling of vehicles for reusable parts and fluids untary participation in conservation projects should that period that leachate from this site has been elimi- and the sale of remaining materials as scrap that takes be taken into consideration before including such nated. This unnamed tributary will remain on the State’s place on this site has gone a long way toward lessening projects/property in ranking stream corridor protec- 303(d) List of Impaired Waters until that time. the burden on landfills. Unfortunately, some methods used in the dismantling and storage of salvaged vehicles tion and restoration. A second landfill, the old Fair Haven landfill, has been harm the environment such as when the Poultney River • The Partnership’s mission and goals includes out- identified as a site of concern by several sources. The periodically inundates vehicles and remaining fluids reach and education, and capacity building as ob- landfill was closed in 1985 but never capped or closed with floodwaters. jectives. The Partnership’s criteria for projects also according to a formal plan. Funds were made available include visibility to the public. through the legislature to conduct a study into informal The following objectives are identified to resolve the • Any assistance to town planning or zoning should closure but no funds were made available to implement most pressing issues surrounding landfills and salvage be coordinated through the Rutland Regional Plan- the plan (1987). The major concern has been that the yards. ning Commission. Castleton River is cutting into the 100-foot high bank of trash from the landfill. Tires, glass and numerous other

46 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan efforts are needed to detect, prevent or correct GOAL: Ensure that these landfi lls Objective 2: Properly close and cap the old any impacts that might occur from landfi ll leach- and salvage yards are not posing Fair Haven landfi ll. ate. risks to aquatic habitat and biota Lead Agency/Organization: ANR-WMD, Town as well as human health and exist- Strategy: of Fair Haven ing uses. 30. Identify potential sources of funding for proper Partners: CARP, PMWP • Objectives (Listed from highest priority ) closure of the old Fair Haven Landfi ll. Potential funding sources: State legislative ap- Lead Agency/Organization: ANR-Waste Man- propriation, grants, municipal bonds 1. Enable the public to determine whether agement Division, Town of Fair Haven landfi ll leachate from the old Fair Haven Time frame: Ongoing landfi ll is affecting the Castleton River. Partners: Poultney Mettowee Watershed Part- Benchmark: Continued monitoring indicates no nership, Slate Quarries 2. Properly close and cap the old Fair Haven leachate post-capping. landfi ll. Potential funding sources: State Revolving Funds, Municipal bonds 3. Assure that the landfi ll doesn’t produce Objective 4: Improve monitoring and envi- hazardous leachate in the future. Time frame: N/A ronmental management at salvage yards. 4. Improve monitoring and environmental Benchmark: Proper closure completed. management at salvage yards. Strategy: 31. Carry out the proper capping of the old Fair Haven landfi ll 33. Assist salvage yard operators in their evaluation of management practices at junkyards. Assist in Lead Agency/Organization: ANR-WMD, Town the implementation of acceptable management of Fair Haven Objective 1: Enable the public to deter- practices for these facilities; provide assistance as mine whether landfi ll leachate from the old Partners: CARP, PMWP these facilities carry out specifi c Accepted Man- Fair Haven landfi ll is affecting the Castleton agement Practices, such as the removal of junked Potential funding sources: State legislative ap- automobiles within the fl oodplain of rivers and River. propriation, grants, municipal bonds streams. Assist salvage yard operators with the Time frame: Ongoing removal of junked automobiles adjacent to Strategy: surface waters and within the fl oodplain of rivers Benchmark: Continued monitoring indicates no 29. Establish a public web-based database of long- and streams. Host salvage yard workshops and leachate post-capping. term water quality monitoring data for continued distribute fact sheets. assessment of potential impacts of landfi ll leach- Lead Agency/Organization: ANR-WMD ate to the Castleton River. Objective 3: Ensure that the landfi ll Partners: towns in the PM basin, PMWP, VTDEC Lead Agency/Organization: PMWP, CARP doesn’t produce hazardous leachate in the Potential funding sources: Small Business Com- Partners: VTDEC, UVM Watershed Alliance, future. pliance Assistance Program LCBP Time frame: Ongoing Potential funding sources: LCBP Strategy: Benchmark: Minimize environmental impacts Time frame: Ongoing 32. Analyzing groundwater data and ongoing surface of active salvage yards. Assist in the clean-up of water quality monitoring data will help deter- Benchmark: On-line database of monitoring derelict salvage yards, especially those in close mine the effectiveness of landfi ll capping efforts, information collected by CARP and others. proximity to surface waters. as well as the appropriateness of sampling and monitoring requirements, and whether additional

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 47 high bacteria levels, especially during periods of little Lead Agency/Organization: PMWP precipitation, may indicate a regular discharge of human Partners: VTANR-FPR, VTDEC, towns in the or animal waste, perhaps through a leaking pipe, from Poultney Mettowee basin. PATHOGENS waterfowl resting spots, beaver, or from a barnyard. Fur- ther investigation of the landscape can help to determine Potential funding sources: LCBP, UVM Water- The Agency of Natural Resources, the Poultney Met- a specific source, whether it is of natural background or shed Alliance towee Watershed Partnership, lake and pond associa- of human origin. tions, and communities in the basin would like a better Time frame: ongoing understanding of where pathogen sources are a problem. The level of pathogens present in waters is only part of GOAL: To identify surface waters Benchmark: Database on-line provides accurate the information needed to identify water quality prob- with regular or episodic elevations and timely information. lems and associated health risks from contact. in pathogens and disseminate this 35. Analyze E. coli samples according to VTDEC moni- Understanding the existing conditions of surface waters information to the public. toring protocols. is a first step in any water quality protection program. • Objectives (Listed from highest priority ) Lead Agency/Organization: PMWP Federal and state agencies and local volunteers have all been involved in collecting data to improve our picture 1. Determine locations of high levels of E. Partners: VTANR-FPR, VTDEC. of water quality in the Poultney Mettowee Basin. The coli (as indicators of pathogens) in Potential funding sources: VTDEC types of data collected include information pertaining surface waters (with regular or episodic to pathogens (as measured with the indicator bacteria, elevations in pathogens) and make these Time frame: Ongoing Escherichia coli), nutrient levels, chemical parameters, results public. (Ranked # 1 by public Benchmark: Ongoing protocol developed for and the physical characteristics of lakes, ponds, streams, prioritization process). processing and notifi cation of sampling results. and rivers. Information about water quality can increase 2. Eliminate sources of E. coli where possible public interest in protecting or restoring surface waters and fi nd solutions for ongoing problem in the basin. In addition, adequate information about lev- areas that contribute high levels of E. coli, Objective 2: Eliminate sources of E. coli els of bacteria allows the public to make informed deci- as indicators of pathogens. where possible and fi nd solutions for ongoing sions on health risks associated with contact recreation. problem areas that contribute high levels of Information gathered from regular monitoring at swim- E. coli, as indicators of pathogens. ming areas can reduce human exposure to pathogens and “flag” waters with regular or episodic elevations Objective 1: Determine locations of high in pathogens. Frequent monitoring at public swimming levels of E. coli (as indicators of pathogens) in Strategies: areas increases the data and subsequent understanding surface waters (with regular or episodic eleva- of episodic events, like septic system failures and runoff tions in pathogens) and make these results 36. Develop a monitoring program in the Poultney Mettowee basin that will enumerate E. coli levels from precipitation events. When regular monitoring of public. bacteria at swim areas is coupled with rainfall data, then at informal and public swimming holes in the rational, preventative closure of swim areas is possible. basin. This monitoring program is intended to be In addition, regular monitoring of surface waters at other Strategies: used as a routine monitoring tool at swim areas locations in a watershed can be used to identify potential Identify public swimming beaches at lakes and ponds to detect an episodic increase in bacteria levels. sources of pathogens. (either municipal swimming areas or state parks and Results from such a monitoring program will be other public lands). Work with communities, lake and used as public notifi cation and information for Bracketed bacteria monitoring (above and below sus- decision-making for contact recreation activities. pected sources) can be used to help identify a source of pond associations, and others who are testing for indicators of pathogens and other health threats. The use of VTDEC bacteria monitoring protocols bacterial pollution. Both surface runoff and direct dis- will be imperative (refer to protocols @:http:// charges can carry bacteria into surface waters. To iden- 34. Develop a database for public notifi cation and www.vtwaterquality.org/LakesPonds/ lp_ tify potential sources, a long-term monitoring program information regarding water quality monitoring citbactmonguide.pdf ). that includes precipitation amounts would be helpful. efforts in the basin, specifi cally how it relates to Following a storm event, increased surface runoff from contact recreation associated with state parks, Lead Agency/Organization: Poultney Mettow- agricultural and urban landscapes can result in temporar- public beaches and access areas. ee Watershed Partnership ily high bacteria levels in receiving waters. A trend of

48 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan Partners: VTDEC-Water Quality Division - ever possible - again, positive incentives would be 4.2 Aquatic Habitat Restoration and LaRosa lab, Municipal health offi cers invaluable. Other Natural Resource Enhancement Potential funding sources: LaRosa grant ser- Lead Agency/Organization: USDA-NRCS vices, LCBP grants, town health programs Partners: PMNRCD, AAFM, PMWP, VYCC Time frame: Ongoing THERMAL MODIFICATION Potential funding sources: USDA-NRCS cost- Benchmark: Establish an active on-line data- share programs Temperature is a primary regulator of biological activi- base of monitoring results for public notifi ca- ties and an increase in the temperature regime of small Time frame: Ongoing tion and information. streams may stress or eliminate fish species or age Benchmark: Fence out livestock from surface 37. Through bracketed monitoring, investigate areas classes by increasing their rate of metabolism while, waters from medium and large farm opera- indicating high E. coli to determine the sources. at the same time, reducing the amount of dissolved tions agricultural operations throughout the oxygen in the water. Elevated water temperatures may, Lead Agency/Organization: PMWP Poultney Mettowee Basin by 2008. therefore, reduce the vigor of cold-water species and Partners: VTANR-FPR, VTDEC, towns in the 40. Assist basin farmers with manure storage and ap- make them more susceptible to disease or parasites. Poultney Mettowee basin. plication practices. Help direct federal cost-share Small headwater streams, such as Flower Brook, are and other funding sources towards manure stor- most likely to be affected by the clearing of streamside Potential funding sources: LCBP, UVM Water- age and handling improvement projects. Work shed Alliance vegetation. with the AAFM to revise BMPs and AAPs where Time frame: Ongoing necessary. Manure spreading close to tributaries The Mettowee River experiences elevated water temper- and the river itself should be discouraged, espe- atures during worst-case summertime conditions, when Benchmark: Identifi cation and remediation of cially in areas where the ground slopes into the maximum solar radiation and minimum streamflow sources contributing to E. coli. water, and spreading should ideally be completed conditions are concurrent. The high temperatures have 38. The Poultney Mettowee Buffer Outreach project as early as possible before the ground freezes. impaired the Mettowee, which is designated as a cold- and federal cost-share programs should target Lead Agency/Organization: PMNRCD water fishery, primarily in the summer. The Mettowee sensitive riparian areas characterized by a lack of River has historically provided for a diverse fish com- riparian vegetation that would benefi t from the Partners: USDA-NRCS, AAFM, VTDEC, PMWP, munity. The fisheries survey conducted in the 1950’s re-establishment of a vegetated riparian buffer. farms in the Poultney Mettowee Basin found numerous species of fish including the following; Encourage riparian landowners (and incentives, if Potential funding sources: federal cost-share black nose dace, cottus, common (white) sucker, creek possible) to maximize the width of buffer zones funds, Farm Bill adjacent to the tributaries and the river itself. chub, long-nose dace, sunfish (likely pumpkin seed), Time frame: Ongoing, as necessary bullhead, catfish, fallfish, yellow perch, common shiner, Lead Agency/Organization: PMNRCD long-nose sucker, and large-mouth bass (VT Fish & Benchmark: Improve manure storage and han- Partners: PMWP, USDA-NRCS, VTDEC, towns, Wildlife, 2000). In addition, several species of trout are dling practices throughout the basin. riparian landowners present in the Mettowee and its tributaries in different reaches during different times of the year, including Potential funding sources: Federal cost-share programs, grants brown trout, brook trout, and rainbow trout. Time frame: Ongoing The 1975 Water Quality Management Plan for the Poultney Mettowee Basin identified impairments to Benchmark: Establish additional riparian buf- the Mettowee River in a discussion of water quality fers throughout the basin on an ongoing basis. issues. Specifically, the plan stated that the Mettowee 39. Fencing livestock out of surface waters should River has been subject to over-grazing and intensive greatly curtail the amount of pathogens entering agricultural uses of the land immediately adjacent to the surface waters. Livestock should be pastured and river, which may cause a degradation of the water qual- excluded as far from surface waters as possible, ity (possibly exceeding water quality standards such as and should use bridges to cross tributaries wher- dissolved oxygen and coliform bacteria). In addition,

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 49 6-mile segment of the Mettowee River that is a subset of this 9-mile stretch appears on Part A of the 2002 List of Waters for temperature caused impairments. Tem- GOAL: Continue to identify ways perature data were gathered by the Vermont Department to minimize thermal modifi ca- of Fish & Wildlife from two sites on the Mettowee tion of the Mettowee by increas- River from mid-April to the end of October 1995. The ing shading that will improve the lower site near where Route 153 crosses the river in the aquatic habitat of the cold-water eastern portion of Pawlet had high temperatures in much of the daytime in July and August. Thermal monitor- fi shery. ing conducted by the TMDL project contractor, ENSR, Objectives (Listed from highest priority ) during the summer of 2001 produced similar results. Their evaluation of conditions during the 2001 sum- 1. Increase shading in critical areas to help mer (a good-case scenario for hot, dry conditions and lower water temperatures. low flows) confirmed that on several days during the 2. Manage the River to Promote Geomorphic summer, temperatures rose above tolerable levels for and Streambank Stability. cold-water fish sustainability. 3. Reduce water temperatures entering the According to the ENSR Report (2002), the most effec- mainstem from Flower Brook. tive way to address the thermal impairment issue on the Mettowee River is to increase riparian shading, effectively cooling the waters through a decrease in sunlight Objective 1: Increase shading in critical exposure. When trees and shrubs are removed along the areas to help lower water temperatures. banks of a stream, the new exposure to sunlight may cause significant increases in water temperature, espe- Streambank erosion along the Mettowee cially during periods of low flow. Strategies: “Agriculture is a moderate source of impairment due to According to the Clean Water Act, states are required When trees and shrubs are removed along the banks temperature problems, high sediment loads, and nutrient to develop a Total Maximum Daily Loading (TMDL) of a stream, the new exposure to sunlight can cause signifi cant increases in water temperature, especially enrichment from agricultural land uses (especially crop allocation plan for all priority waterbodies on the 303(d) and hay production and pasturing), loss and removal of during periods of low fl ow. Riparian plantings are ex- List. Thus, the VT DEC is currently developing a TMDL pected to provide additional shading in critical areas riparian vegetation, and streambank erosion” (VTDEC, allocation plan for elevated water temperature in the 1975). Vermont Fish & Wildlife biologists noted fish to help lower water temperature in the Mettowee Mettowee River. River Basin. kills beginning in the 1970s and continuing to the present due to temperature-related problems due to turbidity 41. Re-establish riparian vegetation along the banks and riparian vegetation loss in the Mettowee River and of the Mettowee Flower Brook, a tributary draining into the Mettowee. Lead Agency/Organization: PMNRCD A nine-mile segment of the Mettowee River is listed Partners: USDA-NRCS, USFW, PMWP, VTDEC, as impaired on the Vermont 303(d) List of Impaired GMC, VYCC, riparian landowners. Waters (an EPA approved list of waters in each state that Potential funding sources: State (319) and do not meet water quality standards) because of high federal (CREP) cost-share programs. water temperatures documented by previous studies of the River (VTDEC, 2002). This impairment designa- Time frame: Ongoing tion was originally based on narrative/descriptive and Benchmark: Increase in linear riparian buffer observation-based information from the late 1980s. A planting of 5,000 feet along the Mettowee riparian corridor (and/or Flower Brook) by 2005.

50 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan The Vermont Rivers Management Program has re- Potential funding sources: EPA 319, LCBP 45. Based on geomorphic assessments and alterna- cently established river and stream assessment proto- WAGs, PMWP grants. tives analysis, undertake channel adjustment cols to be used throughout the state in assessing the and/or restoration projects. Narrowing the Met- geomorphic stability of rivers and streams. The value Time frame: Ongoing towee River channel is predicted to be effective in of conducting geomorphic assessments to prioritize Benchmark: Increase awareness of the benefi ts reducing maximum water temperatures. In addi- potential areas for river corridor protection and resto- of buffers for riparian landowners over the tion, channel modifi cations could provide deeper, ration is becoming well known and widely adopted next 5 years. cooler pools in which fi sh could seek refuge dur- by river managers. Ultimately, the overarching goal ing temperature events. of conducting geomorphic assessments is resolve con- Lead Agency/Organization: PMNRCD fl icts between human structures and activity and river Objective 2: Modify the river channel to dynamics in the most economically and ecologically promote bank stability. Partners: VTDEC, USFW, USDA-NRCS, PMWP, sustainable manner. riparian landowners. 42. Following completion of Phase 2 geomorphic as- Strategies: Potential funding sources: State (319) and fed- sessment of the Poultney Mettowee River Water- eral cost-share programs and grants. sheds, conduct Phase 3 Geomorphic Assessment The Vermont Rivers Management Program has Time frame: Ongoing of project reaches of the Mettowee and tributar- recently established river and stream geomorphic as- ies, especially Flower Brook. sessment protocols to be used throughout the state in Benchmark: Where possible, install natural assessing the stability of rivers and streams. The value channel design treatments to over-widened Lead Agency/Organization: VTDEC – Rivers of conducting geomorphic assessments to prioritize reaches of the Mettowee River to stabilize Management Program potential areas for restoration is becoming well riverbanks and enhance cooler water tempera- Partners: Rutland Regional Planning Commis- known and widely adopted by river managers. Ulti- tures and fl ow. sion, Castleton State College, PMWP, PMNRCD, mately, the overarching goal of conducting geomor- Towns, riparian landowners, and other techni- phic assessments is resolve confl icts between human cal resource agencies. structures and activity and river dynamics in the most Objective 3: Reduce water temperatures economically and ecologically sustainable manner. entering the mainstem from Flower Brook. Potential funding sources: Better Backroads Program, DEC grant programs 44. Following completion of Phase 2 geomorphic assessment of the Poultney Mettowee River Water- Strategy: Time frame: Ongoing sheds, conduct Phase 3 Geomorphic Assessment Benchmark: The completion of geomorphic of Mettowee and tributaries, especially Flower The water temperature of Flower Brook is higher assessment workshops in the basin for natural Brook. than that of the Mettowee River. As plans to cool the waters of the Mettowee are implemented, the resource managers, town offi cials, academics, Lead Agency/Organization: VTDEC – Rivers increased heat load contributed by this tributary will and riparian landowners. Management Program become signifi cant. Therefore, possible management 43. Work with landowners and state and federal Partners: Rutland Regional Planning Commis- scenarios that could reduce water temperature in programs to install fencing along the river to sion, Castleton State College, PMWP, PMNRCD, Flower Brook should be designed, evaluated, and keep livestock out of surface waters and stabilize Towns, riparian landowners, and other techni- implemented. Possible management actions include streambanks. A riparian buffer will be re-estab- cal resource agencies. increased riparian shading and stabilizing eroding lished to reduce elevated water temperatures streambanks. in the Mettowee River (and its tributaries) from Potential funding sources: Better Backroads increased shading. In order to implement this Program, DEC grant programs 46. Reduce the water temperature entering the objective, the buffer outreach project seeks to Mettowee River from Flower Brook through en- Time frame: Ongoing provide information and outreach to all riparian hanced riparian buffer vegetation (shading) and landowners within the Mettowee watershed. Benchmark: The completion of geomorphic managing toward channel geometry and stability assessment workshops in the basin for natural that will support deeper channel cross-sections. Lead Agency/Organization: PMNRCD, PMWP resource managers, town offi cials, academics, Lead Agency/Organization: DEC Partners: VTFWD, VTDEC, AAFM, Towns, and and riparian landowners. riparian landowners Partners: PMNRCD, USFW, USDA-NRCS, RRPC,

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 51 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Partnership, erratically – or whirl – and have difficulty feeding and towns, and landowners along the Flower Brook avoiding predators. In severe infections, the disease can GOAL: To address the decline of sub-basin. cause high rates of mortality in young-of-year fish. native fi sh populations, especially Potential funding sources: EPA 319, LCBP One additional concern regarding fisheries that contin- trout species, due to whirling dis- WAGs, USFW, USDA-NRCS cost-share, PMWP ues to pose a long-term challenge has been the intro- ease, non-native nuisance species, Time frame: Ongoing duction of an invasive baitfish species, alewife to Lake and other factors having an impact Benchmark: Reduce mean summer water tem- St. Catherine. First discovered in July 1997, the popula- on the health of native fi sheries. peratures in Flower Brook by 5°F over the next tion in Lake St. Catherine is likely a result of an illegal 5 years. stocking (Good, personal communication). Based on • Objectives (Listed from highest priority ) the impacts that exotic alewives have had on native 1. Monitor and assess native fi sh populations ecosystems in other lakes, we can predict the specific to determine what affect whirling disease FISHERIES impacts they are likely to have in Lake St. Catherine. and invasive species have on those Several fishery concerns have recently emerged over The main impacts of alewives will likely result from populations. competition for zooplankton and predation on eggs the last few years. Perhaps of greatest concern for the 2. Monitor the outlet of Lake St. Catherine and larvae of other fish. As long as alewives remain health of trout fisheries is the appearance of whirling and Mill Brook for the presence of alewife. disease in the Batten Kill. The New York Department contained within Lake St. Catherine, some form of 3. Increase awareness of anglers and boaters of Environmental Conservation informed Vermont Fish management to deal with them is available. However, if about alewives and other aquatic nuisance and Wildlife Department biologists in June of 2002 that alewives were to spread to Lake Champlain and other Vermont waters, there are few options other than living species and diseases (parasites) that may whirling disease was found in trout captured in the New be affecting healthy fi sheries. York section of the river. According to the Whirling with them. The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department Disease Foundation in Montana, the disease is a parasit- has been stocking the lake with brown trout, which are 4. Through the use of interpretive signs, ic infection that attacks juvenile trout and salmon. The aggressive feeders on alewives. brochures and newsletters, educate the public on ways to prevent the spread parasite, Myxobolus cerebralis, embeds in the head and of aquatic nuisance species. spinal cartilage of fingerling trout and multiplies rapidly, putting pressure on an organ in fish that regulates 5. Identify areas that lack good fi sh habitat equilibrium. The diseased organ causes fish to swim with the help of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department and develop habitat improvement projects for these areas. 6. Identify riparian landowners that are willing to implement streambank restoration projects.

Objective 1: Monitor and assess native ﬁ sh populations to determine which factors may contribute to whirling disease and the aquatic nuisance species problem (i.e., Alewives in Lake St. Catherine).

Strategy:

Lake St. Catherine 47. Work with ﬁ sheries biologists and anglers to monitor and assess native ﬁ sh populations to de-

52 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan termine what affect whirling disease and invasive species have on those populations. Objective 3: Increase awareness of anglers Objective 5: Identify areas that lack good Lead Agency/Organization: VT Fish & Wildlife and boaters about alewives and other aquatic fi sh habitat with the help of the Vermont Fish nuisance species and diseases (parasites) that and Wildlife Department and federal fi sheries Partners: Angler groups (Green Mountain Fly Tiers, Orvis, Trout Unlimited) may be affecting healthy fi sheries. biologists and develop habitat improvement and demonstration projects for these areas. Potential funding sources: State programs, Strategy: PMWP grants for monitoring efforts 49. Educate anglers and boaters about alewives and Time frame: Ongoing Strategy: other aquatic nuisance species and diseases (para- Benchmark: Remain vigilant over fi sheries sites) that may be affecting healthy fi sheries. Hold 51. Identify areas that lack good fi sh habitat and de- health. Take corrective management action workshops and give presentations on these issues velop geomorphically-compatible stream habitat when necessary. for angler groups and associations. improvement projects. Lead Agency/Organization: VT Fish & Wildlife Lead Agency/Organization: VT Fish & Wildlife Objective 2: Monitor the outlet of Lake St. Partners: PMWP, VTDEC, media contacts (LRFP), Partners: PMWP, USFW, USFS, VTDEC, local Catherine and Mill Brook for the presence of Angler groups towns, riparian landowners, angler groups alewife. Potential funding sources: VTF&W grants, State Potential funding sources: USFW-PFW, VTF&W programs grants, state programs, LCBP grants Strategy: Time frame: Ongoing Time frame: Ongoing 48. Since they were discovered, fi sheries biologists Benchmark: Increase awareness of threats to Benchmark: Complete a habitat improvement have worked to develop a management plan fi sheries among user groups. project. without public input. At this time, Vermont Fish and Wildlife fi sheries biologists have not devel- Identify riparian landown- oped a plan that will remove the population. Objective 4: Through the use of interpre- Objective 6: Most of the proposed management techniques tive signs, brochures and newsletters, educate ers that are willing to implement streambank were cost prohibitive except reducing the alewife the public on ways to prevent the spread of restoration projects. population through increased stocking of brown aquatic nuisance species. trout, which are aggressive feeders of alewives. Strategy: Efforts will be made to continue to monitor the Strategy: outlet of Lake St. Catherine and Mill Brook for 52. Identify landowners that are willing to have work the presence of alewives. 50. Use interpretive signs and other forms of media done on their property and secure funding for educate the public on ways to prevent the spread in-stream projects. Lead Agency/Organization: VT Fish & Wildlife of aquatic nuisance species. Lead Agency/Organization: PMNRCD Partners: NYSDEC, angler groups, Green Moun- Lead Agency/Organization: PMWP tain College Partners: USDA-NRCS, USFW-PFW, PMWP, Partners: LCBP, VTDEC, TNC, lake and pond VTF&W Potential funding sources: State Programs associations Potential funding sources: USDA-NRCS federal Time frame: Ongoing Potential funding sources: LCBP grants, state cost-share, USFW-PFW programs, other grants Benchmark: Reduce or eliminate potential of Time frame: Ongoing alewife introduction into Mill Brook. Annual Time frame: Ongoing monitoring program established to determine Benchmark: Complete in-stream projects in the Benchmark: Distribute education and outreach the presence and/or absence of alewives for Mettowee River basin as determined appropri- materials regarding spread prevention tactics. surface waters in the basin. ate by geomorphic assessments.

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 53 AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES Objective 1: Increase spread preven- Objective 2: Establish Exotic Species Watch tion education and awareness for boaters, programs along surface waters where these anglers, and other lake/ river users whose ac- programs currently don’t exist. GOAL: All reasonable means must tions may contribute to the aquatic nuisance be taken to control the extent species problem. Strategies: and spread of non-native aquatic 55. Establish Exotic Species Watch programs on sur- nuisance species by methods in- Strategies: face waters where these programs currently don’t cluding outreach, education, and 53. Increase education and awareness regarding exist. Improve communication between lake/ eradication. In addition to lakes spread prevention tactics for boaters, anglers, and river/ watershed associations, the VTDEC – Aquat- and ponds where aquatic inva- other lake users. Host seminars and focus group ic Nuisance Species Program, angler groups, and sive exotic species are already a discussions. Promote the work of lake/ river/ towns. watershed associations to educate their members signiﬁ cant source of impairment Lead Agency/Organization: VTDEC-ANS Pro- and other residents of towns and communities. gram and/or threat, attention also must Lead Agency/Organization: VTDEC – ANS be given to controlling aquatic Partners: FOVLAP, PMWP, lake associations, Program angler groups, towns. nuisance species infestations that Partners: FOVLAP, PMWP, VTDEC, VTF&W, Potential funding sources: VTDEC-ANS grants, now begin to appear in rivers and LCBP, TNC, lake associations, towns, and angler Conservation grants, volunteer initiatives (The groups. streams. Nature Conservancy). Potential funding sources: State and federal • Objectives (Listed from highest priority ) Time frame: 2005 grants, LCBP education grants Benchmark: Exotic Species Watch programs 1. Increase spread prevention education and Time frame: Ongoing awareness for boaters, anglers, and initiated by major lake and pond associations other lake/ river users whose actions may Benchmark: Increase awareness regarding by 2005. invasive aquatic species. contribute to the aquatic nuisance species 56. Hold aquatic nuisance species workshops for lake problem. 54. Install additional signage regarding aquatic and pond residents to identify aquatic nuisance 2. Establish Exotic Species Watch programs nuisance species at state and municipal access species of concern in Vermont and those at risk to along surface waters where these areas to surface waters and in public locations enter the state. programs currently don’t exist. frequented by surface water users. Increase educational signs at Vermont Fish and Wildlife access Lead Agency/Organization: VTDEC-ANS Pro- 3. Remove nuisance plant material to the areas that highlight the problems associated with gram extent feasible and assist in the invasive species and include tips for boaters and Partners: PMWP, lake associations, towns, management of aquatic invasive exotic recreationists regarding safe boat transport prac- VTF&W species. tices. Potential funding sources: State funds and Lead Agency/Organization: VT DEC Lakes and grants. Ponds Program Time frame: Ongoing Partners: PMWP, VTF&W, LCBP, TNC Benchmark: Prevent new infestations Potential funding sources: LCBP Wayside Ex- hibit Program Time frame: 2009 Benchmark: 10 signs installed at 10 access areas in 5 years.

54 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan fish and other organisms, altering sediment transport, support aquatic habitat and aesthetics. Some fluctuation Objective 3: Remove nuisance plant mate- and raising water temperatures. They also may create of flows between day and night is acceptable, provided rial to the extent feasible and assist in the public safety hazards by exacerbating flooding or caus- the fluctuations do not impair aquatic habitat. management of aquatic nuisance species. ing significant flood damage downstream in the event of failure. They are also economic and legal liabilities for Strategy: their owners. GOAL: Restore Carver Falls bypass 57. Assist efforts by The Nature Conservancy, lake and Removal of unneeded dams can reap significant benefits fl ow to a natural fl ow regime, pond associations, towns and others in the physi- and is often less expensive than repairs or reconstruc- improving aquatic biota and habi- cal removal of invasive exotic plant material. tion. Following additional assessment of the dams in the watershed, potential candidates for removal will tat. Identify non-functioning dams Lead Agency/Organization: The Nature Con- be identified. Individual projects will be developed in in the basin for removal, partial servancy cooperation with the dam owner and local community. breeching, and improved fi sh pas- Partners: Poultney Mettowee Watershed Part- Dams that provide significant public benefits would sage. nership, VTDEC, VTF&W, USFW, VYCC, Munici- likely be modified to address environmental impacts pal Conservation Commissions, Youth groups, rather than removed. • Objectives (Listed from highest priority ) Community service volunteers Only two dams in the basin are used to generate hydro- 1. Restore the natural fl ow regime below Potential funding sources: Volunteer-based, electric power. One, Flower Brook Hydro, is a small Carver Falls with the exception of VYCC dam on Flower Brook in Pawlet. The other, Carver Falls 2. Improve aquatic habitat and aesthetics in Time frame: Ongoing on the mainstem of the Poultney, is more significant. the Carver Falls bypass. Benchmark: Control aquatic nuisance species, The Carver Falls Hydroelectric Project was first 3. Improve aquatic habitat and wetland especially new infestations. developed in 1894. It has changed considerably over function in the Carver Falls Project the years, and a new dam section was added follow- impoundment. ing the 1927 flood. The project was acquired by the FLOW AND WATER LEVEL REGULATION 4. Ensure consistency of the Carver Falls Central Vermont Public Service Corporation in 1929. Project operation with the comprehensive Streamflow and water level regulation can have signifi- The project is currently in the process of obtaining a management plan and ORW for the Lower cant effects on aquatic habitat and biota, aesthetics and federal license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Poultney River. other uses and values of the state’s waters. Activities Commission. Until recently, the project has not been 5. Identify non-functioning dams and that regulate streamflow and water levels include water subject to FERC jurisdiction. The conditions in the coordinate for removal, partial breaching, withdrawals for municipal, domestic, agricultural or license will have a major impact on the river above and and/or improved fi sh passage. industrial uses, hydroelectric dams, and operation of below the dam. dams used for other purposes. Carver Falls is the highest major falls in Vermont and The Vermont Dam Inventory lists 46 dams in the the Lower Poultney River is one of four Outstanding Poultney Mettowee Basin. Many of these dams are Resource Waters (ORW) in the state. The Lower small and are operated run-of-river. That is, they do Poultney was designated an ORW due to exceptional not manipulate flows or water levels. Some, like Lake natural, cultural and scenic values. Bomoseen, are located at the outlets of natural lakes and Adequate flows in the reach between the dam and pow- control water levels in these lakes. erhouse (the bypassed reach) and downstream of the Some of these dams no longer serve their original pur- powerhouse are necessary to protect aquatic habitat. pose (hydropower, recreation, water supply) and are The hydroelectric project will be operated in a run-of- falling into disrepair. Nonetheless, they continue to have river mode that will not re-regulate downstream flows. ecological impacts such as blocking the movement of However, flows in the bypassed reach are needed to Flower Brook in Pawlet

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 55 fl ow of 57 cfs at night will provide minimal sup- Strategy: port and not result in excessive fl ow fl uctuations Objective 1: Restore the natural fl ow re- 61. Implementing the three previous strategies gime below the Carver Falls Project. that would degrade aquatic habitat. These fl ows will also provide support for aquatic habitat, should preserve and enhance the exceptional uses including walleye spawning in the spring. Dur- and values of the Lower Poultney River described Strategy: ing the remainder of the year, 18.5 cfs is required in the Lower Poultney River ORW Report (1992). in the bypass to support aquatic habitat. These Ongoing compliance monitoring and follow-up 58. Operate the Carver Falls Hydroelectric Project in will be necessary to ensure that the previous run-of-river mode where fl ows below the pow- fl ows should be incorporated into the state water quality certifi cation and FERC license. objectives are met. FERC must determine the con- erhouse equal infl ow to the impoundment on an sistency of the federal license for the Carver Falls instantaneous basis. Include conditions requir- Lead Agency/Organization: CVPS project with Lower Poultney River ORW uses and ing this mode of operation in the water quality values. certifi cation issued as part of the FERC licensing Partners: VTDEC, VTDFW process. Potential funding sources: n/a Lead Agency/Organization: VTDEC Lead Agency/Organization: CVPS Time frame: 2004 Partners: CVPS, FERC Potential funding sources: State and federal Partners: VTDEC, VTDFW, NYSDEC Benchmark: Implementation of bypass fl ows. programs Potential funding sources: n/a Time frame: Ongoing Time frame: 2004 Objective 3: Support aquatic habitat and wetlands in the Carver Falls bypass. Benchmark: Consistent compliance with FERC Benchmark: Implementation of run-of-river license articles/401 conditions. Periodic moni- operation. toring results indicate compliance with these Strategy: objectives. Objective 2: Support aquatic habitat and 60. Elimination of frequent or large magnitude draw- aesthetics in the Carver Falls bypass. downs that degrade wetlands and aquatic habitat Objective 5: Identify non-functioning associated with the Carver Falls impoundment. dams and coordinate for removal, partial Run-of-river operation will eliminate frequent breaching, and/or improved fi sh passage. Strategy: drawdowns, and modifi cation of the six-foot fl ashboards to prevent failure will reduce the 59. Based on studies conducted during the FERC re-li- Strategy: censing process, conservation fl ows of 18.5 cfs are likelihood of a large magnitude drawdown. necessary in the bypass to support aquatic habitat Lead Agency/Organization: CVPS 62. Provide technical assistance, landowner outreach from May 16 through March 31. From April 1 regarding dam ownership liability, identify fund- through May 15, 50 cfs are necessary to support Partners: VTDEC, VTDFW, NYDEC ing opportunities, and coordinate dam removal walleye spawning and incubation. Potential funding sources: CVPS projects if necessary. Based on an aesthetics study, 57 cfs is the thresh- Time frame: 2004 for run-of-river, 2006 for Lead Agency/Organization: DEC watershed old fl ow necessary to provide water over the fl ashboard modifi cation coordinator, DEC Hydrology Section, Vermont lower falls. A release of 80 cfs at the dam is Dam Task Force, and Vermont F&W, American needed to provide adequate spill over the lower Benchmark: Drawdowns eliminated with ex- Rivers falls. Vermont Water Quality Standards (2000) ception for emergency situations. Targeted Audience: dam owners requires that waters “consistently exhibit good aesthetic value” including the sounds and sights Partners: VTDEC, VTDFW, towns of falling water. Due to seasonal and daily use Objective 4: Ensure consistency of the Potential funding sources: FEMA, USFW, USDA- patterns, fl ows can sometimes be reduced during Carver Falls Project operation with the com- NRCS, Fish America grant the winter and nighttime hours. prehensive management plan and ORW for Time frame: by 2008 A bypass fl ow of 80 cfs to support aesthetics is the Lower Poultney River. necessary from April 1 to October 30. However, a Benchmark: Selectively remove 2 dams

56 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 4.3 Conserving the Soil and Water On a unit area basis, construction sites export sedi- Resources of Agricultural Land ment at 20 to 2,000 times the rate of other land uses. Objective 1: Increase education and Suspended sediment can reduce plankton and aquatic awareness of back road erosion impacts on plant growth, decrease native fish populations and spe- surface waters and promote the ﬁ nancial cies diversity, increase water treatment costs, and have NUTRIENT ENRICHMENT AND incentives of good road maintenance. an impact on recreational activities. Deposited sedi- SEDIMENTATION ments can smother macroinvertebrate communities, Sedimentation has been identified as the primary cause destroy fish spawning and habitat areas, deplete dis- Strategy: of surface water impairment to Vermont surface waters. solved oxygen, reduce storage and lower design life for 63. Provide funding for the Poultney Mettowee NRCD The sources of sedimentation and subsequent nutri- reservoirs impoundments and ponds, increase channel and the Rutland Regional Planning Commission ent enrichment can be traced back to specific land use aggradation, increase streambank erosion, reduce chan- to conduct workshops in the region on erosion practices and transportation infrastructure including: nel conveyance capacity under bridges and culverts, and control techniques for town road managers. back roads, eroding streambanks, construction sites, and diminish recreational and aesthetic uses of waterways Lead Agency/Organization: Vermont ANR runoff from urban as well as agricultural areas. A direct (The Center for Watershed Protection). consequence of sedimentation is associated nutrient Partners: PMNRCD, RRPC, towns, VT Local enrichment. Nutrients commonly bind to soil particles Roads Program, Better Backroads Program that result in nutrient loading as soil erosion and subse- GOAL: Mitigate sources of Potential funding sources: Better Backroads quent nutrient liberation takes place. nutrient enrichment and sedimen- program, EPA pass through funds Recent attention has focused on gravel roads and drive- tation and eliminate, where pos- Time frame: ongoing ways as potential sources of sediment and phospho- sible, export to surface waters. Benchmark: Road managers from each town in rus to lakes and streams. Every road or driveway can the watershed invited to workshops. become a conduit for rainwater or snowmelt, eroding • Objectives (Listed from highest priority ) the road material and introducing it to nearby streams or 1. Increase education and awareness of back lakes. It is especially critical to maintain driveways in road erosion impacts on surface waters and Objective 2: Encourage stream adjust- riparian areas due to their proximity to surface waters. promote the ﬁ nancial incentives of good ment process towards a stable regime. Streams and rivers that are in a channel adjustment pro- road maintenance. cess have characteristic features such as eroding banks, 2. Encourage stream adjustment process channels that cut deep into their beds, and gravel accre- towards a stable regime. tion (aggradation) that can have devastating impacts on 3. Continue maintenance of erosion and fish and other aquatic biota. sediment control practices during Although construction activities are usually temporary, construction. erosion from construction sites can cause significant 4. Reduce sedimentation and subsequent amounts of sediment to enter adjacent waterbodies. nutrient enrichment from Construction activities result in the disturbance of veg- agricultural sources in the basin through etation during the building of homes, roads, bridges, existing district, state, and and businesses. Erosion from construction activities can federal programs. cause loss of topsoil, contamination of water by heavy 5. Reduce stormwater runoff from metals, and phosphorus pollution and algae blooms in existing developed areas, and implement lakes and ponds. Excessive sedimentation in streams proper site design, construction can lead to stream instability as the channel bed builds techniques, and stormwater treatments Severe gully erosion up or aggrades. for new development.

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 57 Strategy: Potential funding sources: State and federal programs, stormwater permits 64. Provide training for state and federal technical Objective 4: Reduce sedimentation and resource representatives as well as lay people subsequent nutrient enrichment from agri- Time frame: Ongoing cultural sources in the basin through existing to evaluate stream restoration alternatives and Benchmark: Innovative stormwater BMPs design and implement stream geomorphic and district, state, and federal programs. implemented. habitat restoration projects. 68. Continue to provide technical assistance to the Lead Agency/Organization: VTDEC – Rivers town of Castleton Source Water Protection Com- Management Program Strategy: mittee to update their Source Protection Plan as Partners: PMNRCD, RRPC, USFW, USFS, USDA- 66. Ensure that adopted Vermont Accepted Agricul- it pertains to stormwater runoff in the town and NRCS, PMWP, tural Practices (AAPs) are fully implemented for impacts to the Wellhead Protection Area. farming practices to prevent and reduce impacts Potential funding sources: State and federal Lead Agency/Organization: VTANR – DEC to surface waters from sedimentation and subse- funds – Stormwater Program quent nutrient enrichment. Update AAPs where Time frame: N/A appropriate. Partners: Town of Castleton - Source Water Protection Committee, DEC – Water Supply Benchmark: Workshops and training held. Lead Agency/Organization: AAFM Division, EPA, NERWA, RRPC, CVR, Northeast Partners: VTDEC, PMNRCD, towns RCAP. Objective 3: Continue maintenance of Potential funding sources: State and federal Potential funding sources: State and federal erosion and sediment control practices during programs programs, stormwater permits construction. Time frame: Ongoing Time frame: Ongoing Benchmark: Strategy: Benchmark: AAP compliance occurs. 65. Minimize large pulses of sediment to surface waters that come from exposed soil at construction sites. Objective 5: Reduce stormwater runoff from existing developed areas, and imple- Lead Agency/Organization: VTANR – DEC– ment proper site design, construction tech- Stormwater Program niques, and stormwater treatments for new Partners: EPA, AOT, AGC, RRPC, towns, development. Potential funding sources: State and federal programs, stormwater permits Strategy: Time frame: Ongoing 67. Emphasize the importance of innovative site de- Benchmark: Minimize sediment and nutrient sign and the non-structural means of minimizing export into surface waters. stormwater runoff from newly developed sites. Lead Agency/Organization: VTANR – DEC – Stormwater Program Partners: EPA, AOT, AGC, RRPC, towns, land- scaping ﬁ rms, consultants

58 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan easements to land trusts, diversifying crops to avoid LOSS OF THE WORKING LANDSCAPE being dependent on only one source of income and try- 2. Promote value-added and diversifi cation ing to run a more efficient operation. A community programs for farm and forest products. One of the aspects most prized by many people in also can take steps to preserve farms with ideas like 3. Increase farm and forest product markets Vermont today is the rural landscape. Aside from our taxing farmland at a different rate than other land. The especially on the local and regional largest cities, nearly everywhere you go, there are views benefits to the community of open space and a working level. composed of open fields and forest or woodlots. Most landscape have to be looked at in light of the economic 4. Promote new farmer programs. of this is due to the fact that Vermont still has a work- benefit to the community of having the land become ing landscape. Far more important to our state than Encourage new and existing farmers to developed for housing or business and the loss of tax develop comprehensive nutrient the views that bring in tourists and their dollars, these revenue. However, one Vermont study has shown that management plans that will result in working farms and forests form the backbone of our undeveloped land costs a town less in services than does long-term cost-savings for these communities. While providing a living for thousands developed land. Also, a recent study of two Vermont operations. of Vermonters directly and thousands more indirectly, counties has shown that there is an economic benefit 5. Continue to host farm seminars and small farms have been at the heart of who we are as a to the community of having the land in farming. This state for over two hundred years. estate planning workshops that provide study by the American Farmland Trust shows that farm- the education and outreach necessary for Farms are also valuable for the conservation benefits ing in Addison and Franklin County contributes over the non-agricultural community to under they provide such as cleaner air and water and wild- $450 million to the local economy. stand the importance of preserving open land. life habitat. Certain grassland nesting birds thrive in The decision to actively preserve agricultural land Vermont due to the farms that keep the land open. requires a great deal of information and thought. The 6. Continue to support federal initiatives Many forest dwelling species, such as whitetail deer, methods and routes used to preserve farmland vary from that address the national surplus of milk benefit from the crop fields and pastures maintained for farm to farm and from community to community. production. Continue to investigate agricultural purpose as well as the woodlots and forests the creation of a regional dairy that are part of most farms. compact, such as the former Northeast GOAL: Ensuring that the Dairy Compact that promotes regional These working landscapes cannot and should not be working landscape is not con- collective bargaining. taken for granted. In today’s global economy, it is increasingly difficult for farmers to make ends meet and verted to other, more intensive thus to retain their farms, land and livelihoods. Many land uses will also be a signifi cant farmers have to sell all or part of their land. Although factor in protecting water quality. Objective 1: Promote programs that keep some farms are bought by larger farms, a lot of former Every reasonable action and effort current agricultural land in production. farmland becomes home sites, roads and shopping should be made to protect the malls, all of which change the view, contribute to sprawl working landscape. Strategy: and change the nature of the community. Furthermore, 69. Promote programs that keep current agricultural acre for acre, farmland creates less pollution than does • Objectives (Listed from highest priority ) developed land and it can help stabilize local property land in production. Assist with the identifi cation of eligible landowners who are willing to trans- taxes by preventing rampant growth. According to the 1. Promote programs that keep current agricultural land in production. Assist fer development rights through conservation USDA’s Natural Resource Inventory, more than 2 mil- easements on their properties to non-profi ts such lion acres of rural land, much of it prime farmland, is with the identifi cation of eligible landowners who are willing to transfer as the Vermont Land Trust or The Nature Conser- converted to urban uses every year. As Vermont’s pasto- development rights through conservation vancy. Where farms are eligible, promote federal ral reality erodes, it takes with it some of our quality of easements on their properties to non- cost-share incentives to keep land in production. life and also the image upon which much of our tourist profi ts such as the Vermont Land Trust Lead Agency/Organization: USDA-NRCS industry depends. or The Nature Conservancy. Where farms Partners: Poultney Mettowee – NRCD, VLT, There are strategies that can be used to preserve farm- are eligible, promote federal cost-share incentives to keep land in production. TNC, AAFM, VTDEC land. A farmer’s options include selling conservation

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 59 Potential funding sources: Federal cost-share programs, Grants from public agencies, private Objective 3: Increase farm and forest Objective 5: Provide education and out- foundations, or individuals. product markets especially on the local and reach to the non-agricultural community. Time frame: 2008 regional level. Benchmark: Conserve additional acres that Strategy: keep agricultural land in production. Strategy: 73. Continue to host farm seminars and estate planning workshops that provide the education and 71. Increase farm and forest product markets espe- outreach necessary for the non-agricultural com- cially on the local and regional level by expanding munity to understand the importance of preserv- Objective 2: Promote value-added and local markets and opportunities for networking. diversifi cation programs for farm and forest ing open land. Lead Agency/Organization: Vermont Fresh products. Lead Agency/Organization: Rutland NRCD, Network, Farm and Schools Program Poultney Mettowee NRCD, Green Mountain Partners: AAFM, NOFA, Community Supported College Agriculture programs, Rutland County FSA, Strategy: Partners: RRPC, UVM Extension, VT AAFM UVM Ext, Green Mountain College, Lakes Re- 70. Promote value-added and diversifi cation pro- gion Free Press, Rutland Herald. Potential funding sources: Academic institu- grams for farm and forest products through tions, Federal and state grants marketing and other promotional strategies to Potential funding sources: Area restaurants, Time frame: Ongoing encourage consumer markets for locally produced regional markets and coops, schools products. Time frame: Ongoing Benchmark: Increased public awareness of current agriculture issues. Lead Agency/Organization: VT AAFM Benchmark: Regional agriculture producers Partners: PMNRCD, Vermont Fresh Network, have access to regional markets. Regional Chamber of Commerce, Rutland Objective 6: Support federal initiatives County FSA, UVM Ext, Green Mountain Col- that support collective bargaining and lege, NOFA, VT Woodlands Association, VT Objective 4: Promote new farmer regional equity. Wood Manufacturers Association, slaughter- programs. houses, farms, Working Farms and Forests Strategy: Program, Regional Chamber of Commerce. Strategy: 74. Continue to support federal initiatives that ad- Potential funding sources: Federal and state dress the national surplus of milk production. grants, private foundations. 72. Promote new farmer programs. Encourage new Continue to investigate the creation of a regional Time frame: Ongoing and existing farmers to develop comprehensive dairy compact, such as the former Northeast Dairy nutrient management plans that will result in Compact that promotes regional collective bar- Benchmark: Farms become more viable as they long-term cost-savings for these operations. gaining. diversify. Lead Agency/Organization: VT Land Link Lead Agency/Organization: Vermont Congres- Partners: Poultney Mettowee NRCD, VT AAFM, sional Delegation, VACD-NACD USDA-NRCS, VLT, UVM extension Partners: VT AAFM, Vermont FSA, academic institutions, UVM Extension. Potential funding sources: Federal and state grants, private foundations. Potential funding sources: Federal and state programs, new legislation Time frame: Ongoing Time frame: Ongoing Benchmark: Old farms are made available to new farmers fi rst (Land Link). Benchmark: Creation of a regional compact with collective bargaining weight.

60 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 4.4 Improving Public Outreach, Education, and Awareness Objective 1: Raise awareness of the Poult- Objective 3: Contract with towns to en- ney and Mettowee River watersheds (issues, courage water quality improvement through concerns, projects, opportunities, and actions). planning, zoning, and municipal projects. PUBLIC ATTITUDES SURVEY The Poultney Mettowee Watershed Partnership con- Strategy: Strategy: ducted a survey of residents in the watershed regarding 75. Target segmented markets for most effective 77. Share the fi ndings of the Public Attitudes Sur- their perceptions of water quality problems (1998). The outreach to stakeholder groups and residents of vey with municipal offi cials, including town project produced a summary of public attitudes and the watershed. selectboards and supervisors, village trustees, conservation commissions, and planning board landowner resource use of residents in the Poultney Lead Agency/Organization: Poultney Met- Mettowee Basin for Vermont and New York. Specific members. Continue to work with Regional Plan- towee Watershed Partnership ning Commission, local planning commissions, recommendations to conservation districts in planning Partners: PMNRCD, VTANR, AAFM, RRPC and selectboards to encourage municipalities and outreach and education programs, messages, and media planners to identify important resources in their as a result of the current research findings are listed in Potential funding sources: State and federal communities and develop strategies for protect- the following table as objectives. programs, LCBP E&O grants ing, restoring, or enhancing them (Ranked # 4 for Time frame: Ongoing Issue Prioritization Process). Lead Agency/Organization: Poultney Mettow- GOAL: Improve opportunities for Benchmark: Expand media opportunities public involvement in water ee Watershed Partnership quality issues for the Poultney Partners: RRPC, towns Objective 2: Undertake specifi c targeted Potential funding sources: n/a Mettowee Basin. watershed restoration or project activities and Time frame: Ongoing • Objectives (Listed from highest priority ) provide outreach and awareness of demonstration projects. Benchmark: n/a 1. Raise awareness of the watershed concept and the connections that residents of each river basin have to Strategy: the watershed. 76. Based on research fi ndings, fund the efforts of 2. Undertake specific targeted watershed the PMNRCD to promote education and aware- restoration or project activities. ness opportunities to implement demonstration projects, provide stewardship consulting, and 3. Promote/ enhance/ encourage and continue the necessary outreach to all residents provide incentives for municipal planning of the basin. and zoning efforts with regard to water quality issues. Lead Agency/Organization: PMNRCD 4. Pursue opportunities for volunteer service Partners: PMWP, VTANR, AAFM, USDA-NRCS 5. Work with Vermont Department of Potential funding sources: State and federal Forests, Parks, and Recreation to improve programs. the “educational trail” aspect of the Time frame: Ongoing Delaware & Hudson (D&H) Rail Trail Castleton Area River Project Benchmark: PMNRCD has greater visibility.

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 61 announce opportunities for public Objective 4: Pursue volunteer opportuni- USING DIFFERENT FORMS OF MEDIA involvement during these programs. ties for public involvement in water quality issues and projects. The use of different forms of media is imperative for 5. Continue to contact residents of the effective outreach and communication during the basin watershed through direct mailings and planning process. Only through a successful campaign newsletters. Strategy: can partners in the basin planning process begin to craft 78. Pursue more volunteer opportunities for the pub- a meaningful water quality management plan that incor- lic to become more involved in proactive projects porates the issues and concerns of residents and stake- Objective 1: Maximize public participa- to address water quality issues, such as tree plant- holders throughout the watershed. ing and water quality monitoring. (Ranked # 9 for tion in the basin planning process. Issue Prioritization Process). Lead Agency/Organization: PMWP GOAL: Maximize the use of Strategy: Partners: PMNRCD, VTDEC, Lakes Region Free different forms of media to en- 80. Outreach should be continuously pursued Press, WVNR radio gage the residents and stakehold- through all forms of media. Potential funding sources: LCBP E&O grants ers in the basin planning process Lead Agency/Organization: Poultney Mettow- for the Poultney Mettowee Basin. ee Watershed Partnership Time frame: Ongoing Partners: PMNRCD, Rutland Herald, Lakes Re- Benchmark: Increase riparian landowner par- • Objectives (Listed from highest priority ) gion Free Press, WVNR, WPTZ, WCAX ticipation. 1. Continue to provide opportunities for stakeholders and residents of the watershed to Potential funding sources: LCBP and other participate in the basin planning process by grants, state and federal programs publicizing the process through all forms of Objective 5: Find ways to improve the use Time frame: Ongoing and function of the D&H Rail Trail. media. Send meeting announcements and press releases to all. Benchmark: Media opportunities pursued. Strategy: 2. Continue to submit and publish weekly articles in the Lakes Region Free Press on 79. Work with the Vermont Department of Forests, water quality issues and current projects Continue the weekly article Parks, and Recreation and Vtrans to enhance the Objective 2: undertaken by the Poultney Mettowee Delaware & Hudson (D&H) Rail Trail for recre- series regarding the Watershed Partnership in Watershed Partnership. ational use and enjoyment in all seasons. Work local papers. to include trailhead signage and interpretive 3. Continue to support and update a web- signage along the trail, plantings to shade water- page specific to the Poultney Mettowee Strategy: courses along trails. (Ranked # 8 for Issue Prioriti- Watershed Partnership and basin planning zation Process). process. Keep the webpage updated with 81. Submit and publish articles in local and regional current announcements, meeting notes, newspapers. Lead Agency/Organization: PMWP and project details in a timely fashion. Lead Agency/Organization: Poultney Mettow- Partners: PMNRCD, VTFPR, AOT, towns along 4. Continue to appear on radio and televisions ee Watershed Partnership D&H Rail Trail, RAPAC programs. Appear on the local WVNR radio Partners: PMNRCD, VTDEC, Rutland Herald, Potential funding sources: State and Federal program “Coffee Break” to discuss local Lakes Region Free Press programs initiatives and the basin planning process on a regular basis. Use local television Potential funding sources: n/a Time frame: Ongoing programs such as “Champlain 2000” and Time frame: Ongoing Benchmark: Expand access opportunities and “Across the Fence” and continue to promote recreation activities. Benchmark: Articles published.

62 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan increase erosion and sedimentation. Runoff from lawns Objective 3: Update and maintain Water- Objective 5: Update and maintain Water- on which fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides are used shed Partnership website. shed Partnership mailing list. can result in nitrogen, phosphorus, and toxins entering the lake. Runoff from driveways and paths may carry nutrients and sediment (DEC, 1990). Strategy: Strategy: In addition, removal of the native vegetation along a 82. Support and promote a web site speciﬁ c to the 84. Maintain and update mailing list of residents and lakeshore has negative impacts on lake habitat. Native Poultney Mettowee Watershed Partnership and stakeholders in the watershed. the basin planning process. vegetation is resistant to most diseases and insects, are Lead Agency/Organization: Poultney Mettow- adapted to the local climate, can provide good food and Lead Agency/Organization: Poultney Mettow- ee Watershed Partnership habitat for wildlife, and are better adapted to perform ee Watershed Partnership Partners: PMNRCD, Wash. Co. NY Soil and Wa- the landscape values that many landowners look for. Partners: Ghostwriters Communications, PMN- ter Conservation District, towns Overhanging branches shade the shallow water and pro- RCD, VACD, vide fish food in the form of fallen insects and woody Potential funding sources: LCBP administrative Potential funding sources: LCBP grants grants, state and federal grants debris. Many animal species (birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals) rely on natural shoreland vegetation to Time frame: Ongoing Time frame: Ongoing breed, feed and over winter. However, a property whose Benchmark: n/a (current) Benchmark: n/a (current) lawn extends down to the edge of the water can invite unwanted animal species, such as waterfowl, that can elevate pathogenic bacteria levels in localized surface Objective 4: Continue to pursue opportu- LAKESHORE PROTECTION waters. nities to appear on local and regional radio The management of lakeshore areas can have a signifi- Lakes also accumulate pollutants entering from the and television programs. cant as well as negative impact on a lake’s health over watershed over time. The most common threat to lake time. Removal of shoreline vegetation can increase water quality is the accumulation of phosphorus and Strategy: erosion of the lakeshore and reduce or eliminate the sediment. Excessive phosphorus and/or sediment causes infiltration functions of the vegetation. Increased runoff algae blooms, decreased water clarity, nuisance growth 83. Maintain connections to local and regional televi- from roofs, driveways, lawns and uphill development of native aquatic plants, and a change in the natural sion and radio stations that provide programs on can increase erosion and phosphorus loading. Improper habitat values of a lake. Good land use management local efforts and grass roots initiatives. design and installation of shoreline stabilization is needed throughout the watershed to protect the lake Lead Agency/Organization: Poultney Mettow- measures, such as riprap, seawalls, and grading, can from this ever-present threat. Erosion and runoff from ee Watershed Partnership paved or unpaved roads, developed areas, logging oper- Partners: PMNRCD, WVNR (Coffee Break), ations, impervious surfaces, agricultural operations, and WPTZ (Champlain 2000), WCAX (Across the construction activities can contribute to sediment and Fence) phosphorus accumulation in lakes and ponds. Failing septic systems result in either effluent surfacing on the Potential funding sources: n/a ground or in contamination of groundwater. Either situ- Time frame: Ongoing ation can cause a human health hazard due to exposure Benchmark: n/a to disease causing bacteria, and nutrient loading to the lake. Septic systems can fail due to inadequate soils, poor design, or construction, inadequate maintenance, or increase from seasonal to year-round use (DEC, 1990).

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 63 Potential funding sources: State and federal Time frame: Ongoing grants and programs, LEAP program GOAL: Provide greater lakeshore Benchmark: Maximize media opportunities. protection and water quality im- Time frame: Ongoing provement for residents and us- Benchmark: n/a Objective 4: Support conservation proj- ers of Vermont’s lakes and ponds. ects along shorelines sensitive to erosion. Seek compatible activities that Objective 2: Foster partnerships with lake achieve this balance. associations. Strategy: • Objectives (Listed from highest priority ) 88. Identify and conserve sensitive and high priority areas adjacent to lakes and ponds and/ or land 1. Pursue educational and outreach oppor- Strategy: within speciﬁ c lake and pond sub-basins. tunities for lakeshore residents regarding 86. Foster partnerships with lake and pond associa- good property management practices and tions in the basin to pursue joint water quality Lead Agency/Organization: VTDEC – Lakes and impacts to water quality. related projects and assist with the permit process Ponds Section as necessary. 2. Foster partnerships with lake associations Partners: Lake associations, VLT, Poultney Met- to pursue grants and assist with the per- Lead Agency/Organization: Poultney Mettow- towee Watershed Partnership , towns mitting process to implement lake water ee Watershed Partnership Potential funding sources: Land trust funds, quality protection projects and awareness private donations, grants, State land acquisi- campaigns. Partners: UVM Sea Grant, Lake associations, Federation of Vermont Lake and Pond Asso- tion program, VT Housing and Conservation 3. Seek demonstration projects to promote ciations (FOVLAP), VTDEC – Lakes and Ponds Board awareness through local media. Section, towns Time frame: Ongoing 4. Support conservation projects on high Potential funding sources: State and federal Benchmark: Identify and conserve sensitive priority lands through the purchase of programs, LEAP program shorelines. conservation easements or other methods of protection. Time frame: Ongoing 5. Support and promote good municipal Benchmark: Increased coordination and communication with lake associations. Objective 5: Support and promote good shoreland zoning. Refer to VTDEC “Local municipal shoreland zoning. Planning and Zoning Options for Water Quality Protection”. Objective 3: Seek demonstration projects Strategy: to promote awareness through local media. 89. Support and promote good municipal shoreland zoning Objective 1: Pursue educational and out- Strategy: reach opportunities for lakeshore residents. Lead Agency/Organization: Rutland Regional 87. Implement demonstration projects adjacent to Planning Commission lakes and ponds to increase awareness and pro- Strategy: mote good management practices. Partners: towns, VTDEC, PMWP, VLCT 85. Provide educational and awareness opportunities Lead Agency/Organization: Poultney Mettow- Potential funding sources: Municipal Planning for lakeshore residents regarding good property ee Watershed Partnership Grants, VT Conservation license plate grant management practices program Partners: UVM Sea Grant, Lake associations, Lead Agency/Organization: VTDEC – Lakes and FOVLAP, VTDEC – Lakes and Ponds Section, Time frame: Ongoing Ponds Section towns Benchmark: Town plans and zoning regulations Partners: UVM Sea Grant, PMWP, FOVLAP, lake Potential funding sources: State and federal contain strong language for shoreland and associations, towns programs, grants, LEAP program water quality protection.

64 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 4.5 Specific Waters of Concern poisoning. Due to mercury contamination, the Vermont deposition. The critical loads establish the necessary Department of Health (VTDOH) presently advises levels of acidic deposition to each watershed to allow that people limit their consumption of a variety of fish recovery. More needs to be known about distant sources IMPAIRED WATERS IN THE POULTNEY found both in Lake Champlain, and in many other lakes and transport in order to initiate proper controls. The METTOWEE BASIN statewide. The current fish advisory is available online critical loads provide a framework from which to (http://www.state.vt.us/health/record/fish.htm). backtrack and trace the origin and magnitude of the acidity sources to the atmosphere and their transport The management of the walleye fishery in the Poultney GOAL: To implement strategies to Vermont. Combined with atmospheric transport and River has been and continues to be one way to address depositional modeling, the critical loads will provide a that will restore impaired surface this issue. The Lake Champlain Walleye Restoration basis for evaluating the environmental effectiveness of waters to comply with Vermont Plan (1999) describes an ongoing process for taking alternative national or regional emissions control pro- management actions that are hoped to increase Walleye water quality standards. grams, or for quantifying the adverse contributions from abundance in Lake Champlain while at the same time specific emission sources. gathering information on the factors that may limit There are five waterbodies listed on the 2002 Vermont natural replenishment of this native species. Vermont The remaining impaired surface waters on the 2002 303(d) List of Impaired Waters in the Poultney Department of Fish and Wildlife (VTF&W) fisheries EPA 303(d) list (Table 7) include impacts from land Mettowee basin (see Table 7). These waters are desig- biologists recognize some limiting factors could con- use, landfill leachate, and discharges from wastewa- nated are based on long-term data that show they con- ceivably be beyond the ability of VTF&W to overcome. ter treatment plants. The Solid Waste Division and sistently do not meet Vermont Water Quality Standards. Project managers acknowledge that threats such as the Wastewater Management Division of the Vermont While certain sources of pollutants can be addressed atmospheric deposition (i.e., mercury, acid rain) may be Department of Environmental Conservation have through better planning, remediation tactics, and land beyond their ability to correct. Meanwhile, the issue of already addressed the surface water quality problems use management, some pollutants are beyond the scope atmospheric deposition of mercury must be dealt with due to landfill leachate and wastewater treatment plants on a state and national level. of what is reasonably attainable through the implemen- respectively. Monitoring and evaluation of the Pawlet tation of this plan. Specifically, atmospheric deposi- The acid rain TMDL establishes critical loads of acidity landfill has indicated that leachate has abated now that tion of mercury has caused elevated levels of mercury for 30 surface waters affected by acidic, atmospheric this facility has been properly closed and capped as of contamination in the walleye that inhabit the lower Poultney River. Table 7. Impaired Waters in the Poultney Mettowee Basin Impairments due to Atmospheric Deposition Water Segment Name/ Description Town(s) Impairment(s) Reason for Surface Water Quality Mercury (Hg) contamination is ubiquitous in Vermont’s Problem still waters. Mercury is a naturally occurring metal used in a wide variety of applications ranging from the Poultney River (about 3 miles – from Fair Haven, Nutrient Enrichment, Nutrient enrichment from production of household bleach to the mining of gold. Carver Falls upstream 0.5 miles past West Haven Erosion agricultural runoff and erosion Mercury is released into the environment either directly the confl uence with the Castleton River) to water via waste systems, or much more commonly, directly to the atmosphere. It is this atmospheric path- Poultney River (Mouth upstream to Fair Haven, Elevated levels of Atmospheric deposition, fi sh way that is largely responsible for mercury contamina- Carver Falls) West Haven mercury in walleye consumption advisory in effect tion in Vermont. The combustion of coal for energy, and Unnamed tributary to the Hubbardton Benson E. coli, nutrient Benson WWTF discharge possible incineration of municipal and medical wastes, produces the majority of mercury deposited onto the watersheds River enrichment, source, possible land use and wet- of the northeastern US and Eastern Canada. temperature land sources up stream The physiological consequences of meHg contamina- Castleton River Fair Haven E. coli WWTF pump station overfl ows tion include liver, kidney, and central nervous system Mettowee River (Upstream of NY/VT Dorset, Rupert, Temperature Loss of riparian vegetation, dysfunction. A recent study by the National Academy border – 8.2 miles) Pawlet, Wells close proximity of agricultural uses of Sciences concluded that the children of woman who consumed large quantities of mercury-tainted fish dur- Unnamed tributary to the Mettowee West Pawlet Metals (iron, zinc) Pawlet Landfi ll leachate ing pregnancy showed the clearest evidence of mercury River

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 65 2001. This tributary will remain on the list until 2010 Farms, and Markets for areas in need of attention due to these operations at times when the ground is frozen or and will undergo continued monitoring until this date to agricultural impacts include the following: during spring runoff and heavy rains. There is however ensure leachate abatement. a 100 – 150 foot vegetated buffer along both sides of Poultney River Watershed the river. Impairments due to Wastewater Discharges The current condition of the lower main stem of the On the Vermont side of the lower main stem of the An impaired tributary to the Hubbardton River due Poultney River (VT02-01 - 2.8 miles) identified in river, one farm is currently participating in EQIP and to suspected Benson wastewater treatment facility the Vermont Section 303(d) of Impaired Waters List is implementing several Best Management Practices. (WWTF) discharge. To correct high levels of chlorine indicates that agriculture is a moderate source of Funding for this project is from USDA, VT AAF&M, in the discharge, a dechlorination chamber is currently impairment from Carvers Falls to the confluence with the 104(b) program and the farmer’s cost-share match. being constructed at the Benson Wastewater Facility. Castleton River possibly associated nutrient enrichment However, nutrient management planning is still needed. Construction should be completed shortly and the and streambank erosion from agricultural runoff. Also, Wider vegetated buffers along a short stretch of the dechlorination system should be operational later this above & below the mouth of the Castleton River (1.0 Poultney River and a quarter mile of the Castleton River fall (2003). Other WWTFs in the basin have been or are miles), agriculture is a moderate source of impairment would also help. Below the confluence of the Castleton being upgraded in accordance with conditions outlined 0.5 miles above and below the confluence with the the agricultural operation on the Vermont side has in the Lake Champlain Phosphorus TMDL. Currently, Castleton River possibly associated with nutrient enrich- ceased and fields are fallow, with primary succession Vermont statute regulates discharges of phosphorus ment from agricultural runoff. taking place. There is also a wide buffer surrounding (10 V.S.A. § 1266a) and establishes a monthly aver- these fields. age phosphorus effluent limit of .8 mg/l for wastewa- Other sections of the Poultney watershed could be ter treatment facilities in the Lake Champlain Basin. Objective: Decrease the amount of sedi- improved with additional practices including: Additional phosphorus removal will be attained by ments and pathogens entering the Poultney specific facilities in the Lake Champlain Basin, includ- River from agricultural sources. • Fencing along streams to exclude animals with alter ing the Fair Haven and Poultney WWTFs, which were native watering systems required to upgrade these facilities to comply with an Strategy: • River corridor protection and buffers along annual average load limit of .6 mg/l of effluent phos- waterways phorus concentration. 90. Preserve current agricultural uses for irrigation and animal watering and develop alternative wa- • Stream crossings for animals, walkways and access Impairments due to Agricultural Uses tering systems for these uses in order to eliminate lanes the need for livestock access to surface waters. These specific surface water quality problems and the • Streambank stabilization strategies to remediate them are underway and will con- Lead Agency/Organization: USDA-NRCS tinue until such time as the waters comply with Vermont • Improved barnyards and heavy use area protection Partners: AAFM, PMNRCD, TNC, VLT, VTDEC Water Quality Standards. The remaining impacts are • Control of invasive species due to land runoff and are addressed in several of the Potential funding sources: Federal cost share preceding strategy sections. Additional strategies to and pass through programs. Mettowee River Watershed address impacts due to agricultural land use practices Time frame: 2010 The current condition of the main stem of the Mettowee are also included in Appendix K, the Agricultural Plan River (8.2 miles) identified in the Vermont Section Benchmark: All livestock in the Poultney River for the Poultney Mettowee Basin. In conjunction with watershed have access to alternative watering 303(d) of Impaired Waters List indicates that agriculture addressing thermal modification of river temperatures supplies and are excluded from surface waters is a moderate source of impairment due to elevated tem- due to loss of riparian vegetation, Best Management peratures from agricultural land uses (especially crop Practices identified in agricultural strategy sections of and hay production and pasturing) due to the loss and this basin plan will concurrently restore sections of the Compounding this concern are the large farms along removal of riparian vegetation. Fisheries biologists have Poultney and Mettowee Rivers impaired by nonpoint this stretch of the Poultney River on the New York with well-documented fill kills in the Mettowee River during sources of pollution and nutrient enrichment. Specific much of the land in corn. New York State does not pre- hot, dry conditions, affecting primarily cold-water fish strategies identified by the Agency of Agriculture, vent manure spreading in winter, therefore pathogens, species such as brown trout. nutrients and sediments may be entering the water from

66 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan Objective: Maintain cooler waters in the Mettowee River through vegetated riparian buffers and enhanced river corridor protection.

Strategy: 91. Re-establish woody riparian buffers along the banks of the Mettowee River and tributaries (especially Flower Brook) with planting of trees and shrubs as well as herbaceous vegetative fi lter strips along the edges of fi elds. Lead Agency/Organization: USDA-NRCS Partners: AAFM, PMNRCD, TNC, VLT, VTDEC Potential funding sources: Federal cost share, state CREP allocations, conservation easements Time frame: Ongoing Benchmark: Re-establishment of riparian buffers along the main stem of the Mettowee River and Flower Brook, especially the critical areas identifi ed in the ENSR Report (VTDEC, 2002). • Improved barnyards and heavy use area protection • Creation of a local youth conservation corps that can serve as a workforce on projects beyond what volun- • Milkhouse waste management teers can provide In addition to this strategy, pasture management and • Surface and subsurface water diversions nutrient management would also decrease agricultural • A dairy program that better serves farmers runoff, which can also contribute to temperature gains. • River corridor protection and buffers along Overall, technical and financial resources for the imple- waterways mentation of best management practices should be • Streambank stabilization LOCAL WATERS OF CONCERN (including expanded throughout the watershed. Other sections of waters in need of further assessment) the Mettowee watershed could be improved with addi- • Geomorphic-based stream channel stabilization The waters listed below fall outside the scope of the tional practices including: • Control of invasive species List of Impaired Waters (the EPA approved 303(d) List • Waste storage facilities Future Needs in the Poultney Mettowee Basin of Waters that consistently do not meet Vermont Water Quality Standards) but include problems and actions • Fencing along streams to exclude animals with alter There are still several unmet needs in the Poultney that have been identified by the Poultney Mettowee native watering systems Mettowee Basin including: Watershed Partnership, the Vermont Department of • Stream crossings for animals, walkways and access • Increased funding for implementing agricultural best Environmental Conservation, the public, and other enti- lanes management practices ties. Included in this list are ongoing and future projects that have been identified in a public process and priori- • Roof runoff management • Funding to assist farmers in diversifying their opera- tized by the Poultney Mettowee Watershed Partnership. • Silage leachate management tions or transitioning to alternative systems

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 67 Table 8. Local Waters of Concern

Name of waterbody Reason for Concern Status and/or Recent Efforts Current Action Planned Future Proposed Action as of Sept 2003 Gully Brook, tributary of the Sedimentation, fl ooding, High priority – working group EPA 319 Project – Geomorphic 2003 – December 2004 Castleton River channel instability established with Traverse Farm & others Assessment - RRPC (completed Aug ’03), channel modifi cation, habitat restoration Castleton River, Town of Stormwater runoff, possible High priority – Town of Castleton, Work group formed – Town of Castleton, Ongoing. Town in process Castleton contamination of ground water Castleton State College NERWA, VTDEC - Water Supply/ Water Quality of updating Source Water Division, Castleton State College, RRP Protection Plan Castleton River, Streambank instability, runoff, Medium priority, AOT, PMWP interested Transportation Enhancement Grant Re-apply for AOT grant Town of Castleton bank failure in site remediation application denied West Rutland Marsh, Invasives, need for marsh High priority – West Rutland, Rutland Rutland Audubon, TNC working on habitat, Ongoing – boardwalk built, Town of West Rutland protection, Important Bird Area – County Audubon, The Nature invasives. Boardwalk built by the Town land acquisition continues. Lake Champlain Birding Trail Conservancy, USDA-NRCS (Spring ’03). Continued interest in land acquisition. Pond Hill Brook, tributary of Sedimentation, gully erosion, Medium priority, AAFM, VTDEC, AAFM is monitoring this site. Potential Ongoing the Castleton River Lewis ag nonpoint source pollution PMNRCD, USDA-NRCS, Town of Castleton candidate for a medium sized farm Brook, trib of the Poultney agricultural permit. Castleton River, Town of Fair Old Fair Haven landfi ll, Medium priority, Castleton Area River Additional chemical and physical monitoring Annual CARP program, Haven suspected landfi ll leachate, Project (CARP), PMWP, VTDEC conducted in summer, 2002. usually second or third garbage sliding into river are monitoring this site. week in June. Hubbardton River, tributary Nutrient enrichment, turbidity, High priority, work group formed - TNC, Vermont Land Trust and Nature Conservancy Ongoing, recent Sept ’03 of the Poultney River sedimentation PMNRCD, PMWP, USFW, USDA-NRCS, have initiated several conservation programs. meeting identifi ed process VTDEC to conserve riparian land PF&W projects, USDA-NRCS cost-share for implementing project programs with farmers – PMWP - NFWF report objectives and riparian/ buffer planting projects. strategies. Burr Pond, drains to Invasives – Eurasian watermilfoil Medium priority, Milfoil spread PMWP Outreach with Burr Pond Assoc. to Signs installed 2004 Hubbardton River prevention efforts desired by pond increase education with increased signage association. at F&W boat access. Poultney River, Town of Streambank instability, fl ooding Medium priority, working group Investigation into site remediation, potential Stalled since last site visit Poultney, D&H Rail Trail established with Vtrans, landowners fl ood mitigation project. with Vtrans Poultney River, Town of Streambank instability, erosion, High priority, PMNRCD, USF&W project Summer 2002 – natural channel stabilization Ongoing monitoring to Poultney, Teetor site sedimentation to stabilize eroding banks. project using log vanes – USFW-PFW. assess channel modifi cation Spring/summer 2003 – buffer planting. treatments, buffer plantings.

68 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan Name of waterbody Reason for Concern Status and/or Recent Efforts Current Action Planned Future Proposed Action as of Sept 2003 Poultney River, Town of Streambank instability, High priority, PMNRCD, PF&W project to Summer 2002 – natural channel stabilization Ongoing monitoring to Poultney, Swenor site – sedimentation, stabilize eroding banks, buffer planting project using tree vanes – USFW-PFW. Spring/ assess channel WWTF nutrient enrichment with GMC summer 2003 – buffer planting. modifi cation treatments, buffer plantings. Poultney River, Lower Back road runoff, sedimentation, High priority, TNC and PMWP working Clean-up for “Great Lake Clean-up” by LCBP/ Ongoing dumping, Poultney River along East garbage dumping on strategy for stewardship PMWP – 2002, Poultney/ Fair Haven Rotary consideration of closing Bay road Club involved. TNC organizes annual cleanup East Bay Road to through-traffi c. Mill Brook, tributary of the Flooding, Invasive fi sh species Low priority, outreach with landowner, VTF&W is developing a management plan for Monitored by VTF&W, Mettowee River buffer planting the Alewife in Lake St. Catherine GMC–slated for implementation in 2004 Wells Brook, Town of Wells, Suspected heavy metal content, High priority, concern of drinking water VTDEC – Waste Management Division Continued well monitoring trib of Mettowee esp. Arsenic and assessment by town. Lake St. Catherine, drains Aquatic nuisance species High priority, ranked as high priority Outreach with Lake St. Catherine Assoc. to Monitored by Lake St. into Mettowee River (Eurasian watermilfoil and by public, lake association monitor and investigate options with towns Catherine Association, alewives), declining water quality and state. PMWP, GMC Lake St. Catherine, drains Potential dam failure Low priority, FED has assessed dam and Dam face repair and assessment planned for FED will continue to into Mettowee River determined not to be immediate 2004 monitor and assess this threat (2002) situation. Flower Brook, tributary Thermal modifi cation, erosion, High priority, part of Mettowee TMDL Outreach to riparian landowners by PMNRCD/ Thermal monitoring to Mettowee River lack of riparian buffers study and geomorphic assessment PMWP – Buffer Outreach Program 2004, ongoing. Thermal spikes summer 2002. Geomorphic assessment completed recorded in monitoring stations. Unnamed tributary to the Suspected landfi ll leachate, Medium priority, site visit determined Chemical and physical monitoring showed VTDEC-Waste Management Mettowee River, Town of turbidity, sedimentation old landfi ll in close proximity to trib high levels of iron and zinc – summer 2002 Division will update Wells Mettowee River – Streambank instability, erosion, Medium priority, neck cut-off threatens Rip-rap and buffer planting summer 2002 Geomorphic assessment Rosenbauer/ Waite channel avulsion to send sediment plug downstream have temporarily arrested avulsion and Mettowee TMDL study property have led to general strategies

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 69 Chapter 5 Establishing Goals for Managing High Quality Waters

Public involvement is an essential component to restor- • Designation of waters as warm and cold water ing river and lake ecology. The Vermont Water Quality fisheries, Standards state “Public participation shall be sought to • Designation of existing uses of a water, identify and inventory problems, solutions, high quality waters, existing uses and significant resources of • Designation of waters as Outstanding Resource high public interest.” Citizens who make their living Waters for specific values (10 VSA § 14242a) from the land have a special opportunity to contribute to water quality protection or an approach that balances 5.1 Typing and Classification environmental considerations in protecting and restor- Since the 1960s, Vermont has had a classification ing water resources with economic interests. Without system for waters that establishes management goals. balance, there will be limited progress in achieving the These goals describe the uses and values of surface goals of protecting land from the forces of the rivers waters that are to be protected or restored through and the rivers from the runoff of the land (VTDEC, appropriate management. The system includes Class A 2002 – Lake Champlain Phosphorus TMDL). Emphasis and B. Class A waters are divided into two subclasses: on the identification of values and expectations for A(1) and A(2). As part of the Vermont Water Quality future water quality conditions can only be achieved Standards revisions in 2000, Class B waters must be through public contributions to the planning process. divided into Water Management Type 1 B(1), Type 2 B(2) and Type 3 B(3) as part of the basin planning pro- One important element of basin planning includes estab- cess. lishing management goals for waters that designate both the beneficial uses and values of surface waters and the Proposed Classifications and Types for Basin 2: level of protection to meet the needs and expectations The watershed coordinator presented a preliminary pro- of each community and the state as a whole. The basin posal during 2001 and 2002 in order to begin the pro- planning process should encourage community involve- cess for reviewing the management goals for waters to ment in identifying (1) existing uses of surface waters, each municipal selectboard and/or planning commission (2) outstanding resource waters, and (3) new classifica- in the Poultney Mettowee basin. Each town was given tions and water quality management types for waters in an opportunity to provide input for the proposed clas- their community. The implementation of these objec- sification and typing recommendations. Each town was tives through this basin plan is expected to meet the asked to review the proposal to ensure that the Agency goals and corresponding objectives identified through of Natural Resources’ suggested management goals the Poultney Mettowee basin planning process, the were compatible with their goals for surface waters. Poultney Mettowee Watershed Partnership, municipali- Once the Vermont Water Resources Board adopts the ties, watershed residents, and landowners. goals as a rule that amends the Vermont Water Quality The management goals of each classification and type Standards, it is the intention of the Agency of Natural describe the values and uses of the surface water that resources to work to achieve or maintain the level are to be protected or achieved. Management goals can of water quality specified by the established goals be established through the following process: described by the designated types or classification • Classification of waters and designation of water The initial proposal for re-classification and typing management types, is based on current land cover and land use and the

70 PoultneyPoultney MMettoweeettowee WWatershedatershed BasBasinin PPlanlan expectation for land use set out in each town plan. The for A(1) waters is to maintain their natural condition. B2 management goals associated with typing and classifica- Waters used as public water supplies are classified A(2). • All other land uses and covers not described for B3 tion pertain to water quality, the means of achieving the No A(2) water exists in the town. All the remaining that are currently present in the town (water quality goals will relate to land management, stormwater man- waters are Class B waters. As part of the Water Quality violations in Class B waters have been identified and agement, the implementation of Accepted Agricultural Standards revisions in 2000, the system was changed to addressed by upgrades to the municipal wastewater Practices, riparian corridor protection, erosion control divide Class B waters into three management types: B1, treatment facility). practices for construction sites, better backroad prac- B2 and B3. The revised Water Quality Standards require tices, and Acceptable Management Practices for sil- that all basin plans place Class B waters into one of the B3 viculture among others. The quality of surface waters three management types. • Waters presently managed for a moderate change in Vermont is mostly dependent upon the content and The typing system for Class B waters is for the most in flows or stream habitat because of a dam presence, amount of surface runoff from surrounding land in addi- part a continuum of acceptable conditions of water water level fluctuation or water withdrawal. tion to the proper operation of wastewater treatment quality criteria such as aquatic biota, aquatic habitat plants. Proposal Supports Expected Land Uses Outlined in and recreational opportunities. A simplification of the each Town Plan During the typing and classification process, each town B1, B2 and B3 designations would be to say that the was presented with: spectrum from B3 to B2 to B1 is described as represent- The Agency proposal designates most Class B waters in ing “good,” “better” and “best” aquatic conditions. All each town as management type B2, which is the middle • The classification system for surface water protection Class B waters must still support the designated uses type of Class B waters. The proposed B1 waters are in the state of Vermont; (10 VSA § 1253). described in the Vermont Water Quality Standards for located predominantly within mountainous terrain and • A list of adjacent land uses that would be compatible Class B waters, which includes suitability for boating, on, or adjacent to, publicly owned lands. with the goals for the different categories of surface swimming, and drinking with treatment. Based on the review of town plans and zoning regula- water protection; and Land uses that would best achieve goals for B1, B2 tions in the Poultney Mettowee basin, the Department • The Department of Environmental Conservation and B3 of Environmental Conservation does not believe that the opinion of how the expected land uses outlined in Agency proposal would conflict with each community’s As the proposal only changes goals for waters that are each town plan or zoning regulations would support expectations for land use in the area. The following presently Class B in each town, the focus of discussions the suggested goals for surface waters (rivers, ponds describes how the goals of a town plan are evaluated with municipalities centered on the explanation of the and wetlands). under each water quality management type. three management types. Opportunities to discuss the typing and classifica- B1 It is assumed that agricultural and silvicultural activi- tion proposal will include public hearings on the plan ties that followed Accepted Agricultural Practices and The Agency proposal designates waters B1 where lands (2003/2004). In addition, the Water Resources Board Acceptable Management Practices respectively comply are predominately forested, expected land use is pre- will hold public hearings on the proposal in the typing with the Water Quality Standards (which includes the dominated by low density residential or a less intensive and classification proposal during rulemaking. goals for B1, B2, and B3 management types). For other land use, and roads are stable, meaning that they do not Classification System land uses, the Agency believes that each management regularly wash out. type could support the following land uses and still Since the 1960s, Vermont has had a classification A small area of a B1 designated stream and its water- meet their respective water quality goals: system for waters that establishes management goals. shed can include residential and agricultural zones, but These goals describe the values and uses of surface B1 the management goal would be to leave this land pre- waters that are to be protected or restored through dominantly forested. Typically, the proposals for B1s • Predominately forested appropriate management. Until recently, the system are federal, state, and town lands that are maintained in included two classes: A and B. Class A waters were • Low density residential conservation, or occur where the town has already des- divided into two subclasses: A(1) and A(2). ignated the land as a conservation zone. • Roads that do not regularly wash out Presently all waters above 2,500 feet are classified A(1) by Vermont statute. The management objective

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 71 B2 Standards (2000) which specifies a lower minimum and fishing. The degree of protection afforded to these dissolved oxygen concentration than waters in the uses in most surface waters is based on the water’s Most of the surface waters would be designated B2, as remainder of the basin which are Cold Water Habitat: management type or class as described in this chapter this would be a default class and type for waters that of the Plan. Some uses are protected absolutely if the are not considered for other typing proposals. a) All waters west of Vermont Route 22A Agency of Natural Resources identifies them as existing B3 b) Austin Pond, Hubbardton uses under the anti-degradation policy of the Vermont Water Quality Standards (VWQS). The Agency proposes a B3 type for those waters that c) Beebe Pond, Hubbardton are subject to managed water level fluctuations, such The Agency identifies “existing” uses of particular d) Billings Marsh Pond, West Haven as a hydro electric facility or other types of impound- waters either during the basin planning process or on ments that experience periodic water-level fluctuations e) Burr Pond, Sudbury a case-by-case basis during application reviews for beyond changes in precipitation and runoff. Under f) Coggman Pond, West Haven permits. The following factors are considered by the these circumstances, the Department of Environmental Agency when identifying existing uses (see VWQS Conservation would expect moderate changes in g) Echo Lake (Keeler Pond), Hubbardton/Sudbury Section 1-03 B): aquatic habitat and biota. There are no proposed B3s h) Half Moon Pond, Hubbardton • Aquatic biota and wildlife that use or are present in in the Poultney Mettowee basin. i) Hinkum Pond, Sudbury the waters; Effects of Management Goals for Land Use j) Lake Hortonia, Hubbardton, Sudbury • Habitat that supports existing aquatic biota, wildlife The range of protection afforded waters by the pro- or plant life; posal encourages the more intensive activity in the k) Inman Pond, Fair Haven • The use of waters for recreation or fishing; valleys and sets goals for higher water quality in the l) Lily Pond, Poultney headwater areas and more mountainous terrain, which • The use of waters for water supply or commercial tends to meet town’s and residents’ expectations for m) Little Pond, Wells activity that depends directly on the preservation of land use. n) Love’s Marsh Castleton an existing high level of water quality; and 5.2 Warm Water and Cold Water o) Mill Pond (Parson’s Mill Pond), Benson • With regard to the factors considered under the first Designations two bullets above, evidence of the use’s ecological p) Northeast Developer’s Pond, Wells significance in the functioning of the ecosystem or In addition to the foregoing classifications and q) Old Marsh Pond, Fair Haven evidence of the use’s rarity. designations, the following lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams are designated for management as r) Pine Pond, Castleton During the planning process in the Poultney Mettowee Warm Water Habitat by the Vermont Water Quality Basin, the Department of Environmental Conservation s) Poultney River from Carver’s Falls in West Haven to has collected sufficient information to identify the exist- its confluence with Lake Champlain ing uses listed in the following table. The list is not t) Sunrise Lake, Benson/Orwell meant to be comprehensive. The public is encouraged to nominate other existing uses, which may be included in This list of warm and cold water designations does not the basin plan or catalogued for a more thorough inves- deviate from their existing status under the Vermont tigation on a case-by-case basis when an application Water Quality Standards (2000). All other unnamed is submitted for an activity that might adversely affect waters in the Poultney Mettowee basin are designated the use. These petitions for existing use considerations cold waters. must be filed with the Vermont Water Resources Board 5.3 Existing Uses if outside the scope of this basin plan. Please review the candidates for existing uses in the Poultney Mettowee All surface waters in Vermont are protected to support basin in the following table: uses valued by the public including swimming, boating,

72 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan Table 9. Existing Uses of Waters in the Poultney Mettowee Basin Based on this designation, the Vermont Agency of Natural resources developed a management plan for the Lower Poultney River that established the fol- Town State/ Public Lands Surface Water Existing Use lowing goal: “For that portion of the Lower Poultney Benson Pond Woods WMA Doughty, Spruce Ponds Swimming and Fishing River within Vermont borders, the State will seek to Castleton Bomoseen State Park Lake Bomoseen Swimming, Fishing, Boating manage certain activities affecting the water quality, flows, course, current, and cross-section of the Lower Castleton Crystal Beach (Municipal) Lake Bomoseen Swimming, Fishing, Boating Poultney River to preserve and enhance the excep- Castleton Kehoe F&W access Lake Bomoseen Swimming, Fishing, Boating tional natural, cultural, scenic, and recreational values of the river and river corridor (refer to uses and values Castleton Float Bridge F&W access Lake Bomoseen Swimming, Fishing, Boating included in Section III of the VANR Management Plan Castleton Blueberry Hill WMA Unnamed tributaries Fishing for The Lower Poultney River, A Vermont Outstanding Resource)” (1992). This basin plan does not propose Castleton Bird Mountain WMA Unnamed tributaries Fishing new Outstanding Resource Water designations. Castleton Glen Lake FPR access Glen Lake Swimming, Fishing, Boating The Fair Haven River Committee compiled the infor- Hubbardton Lake Hortonia F&W access Lake Hortonia Swimming, Fishing, Boating mation and prepared the petition acting on behalf of the towns of Fair Haven and West Haven who chose to be Hubbardton Half Moon State Park (beach) Half Moon Pond Swimming, Fishing, Boating the petitioners for the ORW status. A description of this Poultney Lake St. Catherine State Park (beach) Lake St. Catherine Swimming, Fishing, Boating stretch of river, a detailed inventory of river and river corridor values and uses, the ORW designation process Poultney Buczek Marsh WMA Buczek Marsh Fishing for the Lower Poultney, and the Agency of Natural Rupert Rupert State Forest Unnamed tributaries Fishing Resources Management Plan for this river segment are contained in the August 1992 document The Lower Rupert Mettowee River F&W access Mettowee River Fishing Poultney River: A Vermont Outstanding Resource Sudbury Burr Pond F&W access Burr Pond Swimming, Fishing, Boating Water. The inventory portion of this publication contains substantial information on the natural, cultural, and Wells Lake St. Catherine F&W access Lake St. Catherine Swimming, Fishing, Boating scenic features of the Lower Poultney including descrip- West Haven Ward Marsh WMA Ward Marsh, Fishing tions of the river corridor wildlife habitat and natural Lake Champlain communities, geologic and hydrologic features, aquatic habitat and fisheries, threatened, endangered and rare West Rutland Whipple Hollow WMA Headwaters of the Fishing plant and animal species, historical sites, scenic areas, Castleton River and boating, fishing, research and education uses. West Rutland West Rutland State Forest Unnamed tributaries Fishing 5.6 Recommendations for Poultney D&H Rail Trail Bridge Poultney River Swimming, Fishing Community Action The continuing objective will be to implement current 5.4 Designated Uses 5.5 Outstanding Resource Waters strategies, encourage community involvement in identifying existing uses, Outstanding Resource Waters and A designated use, according to Vermont Water Quality Lower Poultney River ORW Designation proposing new classification and typing for waters in Standards (2000), “means any value or use, whether In June 1991, the Lower Poultney River, delineated their community. presently occurring or not, that is specified in the man- from the Poultney/Fair Haven town line down to the agement objectives for each class of water as set forth “elbow”, was designated an Outstanding Resource by the Water Resources Board”. Water (ORW) by the Vermont Water Resources Board.

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 73 Chapter 6 Implementation of the Basin Plan

Many State and federal agencies, private organizations, implementation. Subjects to be considered include the and community groups were involved in developing the adequacy of the process set forth by the Partnership, strategies in this basin plan. The next step will be the the progress of the basin planning process, reactions of implementation of the strategies by these groups and the public to the process, and the adequacy of resources others. to conduct planning and implementation. In addition, the Partnership should annually address the accom- The collaborative process of developing concerns and plishments made that pertain to the Basin Plan and strategies ensures that participating groups are imple- as it applies to the Lake Champlain Basin Program’s menting the Basin Plan. As the Basin Planning Process Opportunities for Action, and the Vermont Agency of included discussions with the community and resource Natural Resources Watershed Planning Initiative. agencies, the actions should be a direction in which some of the potential key players are already headed. Progress Reporting For other potential key players, the plan will provide The benchmarks set forth in this basin plan can be ideas and opportunities. Implementation then needs only revisited every so often to ensure that there are the a small catalyst to start the process or a guiding hand to financial and technical resources allocated to imple- keep it progressing. For some strategies, the Department ment these strategies. If these benchmarks are assigned of Environmental Conservation will facilitate the imple- to a specific timeline, the expectation is to achieve the mentation process by setting up meetings. For other standards established through these benchmarks. Simply strategies, implementation will require the distribution stating that a decrease in the loss of land due to erosion of the plan to community groups to use as a resource. or that fish habitat has improved substantially doesn’t The success of the Basin Plan will not be limited to provide the checks and balances necessary to moni- the implementation of strategies. In addition to strate- tor and evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies. gies, the basin planning process has also developed a While it may be unreasonable to expect that the basin network of groups working together to meet common plan will address every water quality concern within a goals. The strength of the network should help leverage five-year period, it may be perfectly acceptable to meet existing funds and support from other organizations. If expectations within a twenty-year time frame. Under the process has been successful, the next basin planning this premise, the proposal to list each benchmark within process will begin with the existing partnerships intact. a specific 5-year cycle should be met to ensure the successful implementation of this basin plan. For this plan Evaluation of the Planning Process to be successful in the Poultney Mettowee basin in the No planning process is complete without feedback on next five years, these benchmarks will be met and/or the elements of the plan. This can range from docu- exceeded. menting the actions taken to improve water quality to placing a conservation easement on a swimming hole to assure its protection for future generations. Periodically, during the implementation phase of the plan, progress can be measured by checking on the different strategies completed or in progress in various parts of the basin. Periodically the Poultney Mettowee Watershed Partnership and collaborators must take stock of the process and examine accomplishments in planning and

74 PoultneyPoultney MMettoweeettowee WWatershedatershed BasBasinin PPlanlan References

Castleton Area River Projects, Annual Report, Fair Rutland Regional Plan, Adopted November 16, 1999. Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, Haven Grade School, 2001-2003. Rutland Regional Planning Commission. 1990. Planning for Lake Water Quality Protection, a Manual for Vermont Communities. Vermont Agency of Field, John, Jim Graves, and Kathy Doyle, July 2001. Schumm, S.A., The Fluvial System. John Wiley and Natural Resources, Waterbury, VT. A Wetland and Riparian Habitat Assessment of the Sons, New York, 1977. Poultney River Watershed in NY and VT, Final Report. Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, Thompson, Elizabeth H. and Sorenson, Eric, 2000. The Nature Conservancy, Southern Lake Champlain 1992. The Lower Poultney River, A Vermont Wetland, Woodland, Wildland, A Guide to the Natural Valley Office, NY and VT. Outstanding Resource Water. Vermont Agency of Communities of Vermont. University Press, Hanover, Natural Resources Management Plan, Waterbury, VT. Field, John, 2001.Geomorphic Studies at the Harrison NH Site (Lower Poultney River) and Hubbardton River Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, Thompson, Elizabeth H. 2002. Vermont’s Natural Tributaries, NY and VT. The Nature Conservancy, 1992. Vermont Swimming Hole Study. Vermont Agency Heritage, Conserving Biological Diversity in the Southern Lake Champlain Valley Office, NY and VT. of Natural Resources, Waterbury, VT. Green Mountain State. A Report from the Vermont Graves, Jim, August 2001. Clayplain Forests on the Biodiversity Project. 48 pp. Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, Middle Hubbardton River: Assessment of Mature and 1994. A Threat to Vermont’s Lakes: Eurasion Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Farms, and Markets, Successional Vegetation on Clay Soils. The Nature Watermilfoil an Invasive Non-native Aquatic Plant. 2002. Agricultural Plan for the Poultney Mettowee Conservancy, Southern Lake Champlain Valley Office, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Waterbury, VT. Basin. Montpelier, Vermont. NY and VT. Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, 2003. Vermont Hegman, W., D. Wang and C. Borer, 1999. Estimation 1998. A Classification of the Aquatic Communities Stream Geomorphic Assessment Phase 1 Watershed of Lake Champlain Basinwide Nonpoint Source of Vermont. Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Assessment, Phase 2 Rapid Assessment, Phase 3 Survey Phosphorus Export. Lake Champlain Basin Program, Waterbury, VT. Assessment, and Handbook Appendices. Waterbury, VT. Technical Report No. 31. USEPA, Boston, MA. Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, Vermont Better Backroads Manual, March 2002. George Lake Champlain Basin Program. 2000. Preliminary February 1999. Options for State Flood Control D. Aiken & Northern Vermont Resource Conservation Evaluation of Progress toward Lake Champlain Basin Policies and a Flood Control Program, Prepared for the and Development Councils. Program Phosphorus Reduction Goals. Vermont General Assembly Pursuant to Act 137 Section Vermont Department of Water Resources, April 1975. 2, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Waterbury, Lake Champlain Management Conference. 1996. Poultney-Mettowee Water Quality Management Plan. VT. Opportunities for Action, An Evolving Plan for the Vermont Agency of Environmental Conservation, Future of the Lake Champlain Basin. Lake Champlain Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, Waterbury, VT. Basin Program (Draft Update 2001). 1999. Poultney Mettawee Watersheds Water Quality & Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, Aquatic Habitat Assessment Report. Vermont Agency of Packer, M.J., (2002). Public attitudes and landowner 1988. The Waterfalls, Cascades and Gorges of Vermont. Natural Resources, Waterbury, VT. resource use: A study of residents of the Poultney Jerry Jenkins and Peter Zika for the Vermont Agency of Mettowee Watershed, Vermont and New York. Vermont Local Roads Program, May 1999. Road Natural Resources, Waterbury, VT. Unpublished manuscript (Syracuse University Masters Design and Maintenance Handbook. Colchester, VT. Thesis). Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, Vermont Water Resources Board, 2000. Vermont Water January 1989. Vermont’s Whitewater Rivers: Their Parsons, Jeffrey, 1988, A Characterization of Vermont’s Quality Standards. Montpelier, VT. Geology, Biology, and Recreational Use. Jerry Jenkins More Important Wetlands, Vermont Department of and Peter Zika for the Vermont Agency of Natural Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, Forests, Parks and Recreation. Waterbury, Vermont. Resources, Waterbury, VT. 2001. Fluvial Morphology: a Foundation for Watershed Protection, Management, and Restoration. Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Waterbury, VT.

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 75 Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife, Fall 2001. October 2002. Mettawee River Temperature TMDL Batten Kill News, Volume 2, Issue 2, Vermont Agency Study, ENSR International Consulting. Waterbury, VT. of Natural Resources, Waterbury, VT. Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife, Winter/ November 2002. White River Basin Plan, A Water Spring 2003. Batten Kill News, Volume 4, Issue 1, Quality Management Plan. Vermont Agency of Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Waterbury, VT. Natural Resources, Waterbury, VT. Vermont Water Resources Board, 2002. Vermont Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, Wetland Rules. Montpelier, VT. 2002. State of Vermont 2002 Water Quality Wadeable Stream Biocriteria Development for Fish and Assessment – 305(b) Report. Vermont Agency of Macroinvertebrate Assemblages in Vermont Rivers and Natural Resources, Waterbury, VT. Streams, VTDEC, 2001. Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, 2002. State of Vermont Year 2002, 303(d) List of Waters. Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Waterbury, VT. Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 2002. Lake Champlain Phosphorus TMDL. Waterbury, VT and Albany, NY. Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, 2002. Citizen’s Guide to Bacteria Monitoring in Vermont Waters. Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Waterbury, VT. Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, 2003. Alternatives for River Corridor Management. Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Waterbury, VT. Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, 2003. Vermont Watershed Initiative, Guidelines for Watershed Planning. Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Waterbury, VT. Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife, June 1998. A Plan for the Management of Walleye Fisheries in Lake Champlain. Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Waterbury, VT. Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2000. Fishery Surveys in the Mettowee River.

76 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan Glossary

10 V.S.A., Chapter 47 – Title 10 of the Vermont objectives for each class of water as set forth in §§ 3-02 ence condition establishes attainable chemical, physical, Statutes Annotated, Chapter 47, Water Pollution (A), 3-03(A), and 3-04(A) of these rules. and biological conditions for specific water body types Control, which is Vermont’s basic water pollution con- against which the condition of waters of similar water EPA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. trol legislation. body type is evaluated. Existing use – a use that has actually occurred on or Accepted agricultural practices (AAP) – land man- Riparian vegetation – the vegetation growing adjacent after November 28, 1975, in or on waters, whether or agement practices adopted by the commissioners or to rivers or streams. not the use is included in the standard for classification agriculture, food and markets in accordance with appli- of the waters, and whether or not the use is presently Sedimentation – the sinking of soil, sand, silt, algae, cable State law. occurring and other particles and their deposition frequently on Accepted Management Practices (AMP) – methods of the bottom of rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, or wetlands. Fluvial geomorphology – a science that seeks to silvicultural activity generally approved by regulatory explain the physical interrelationships of flowing water Thermal modification – the change in water tempera- authorities and practitioners as acceptable and common and sediment in varying land forms ture to that type of operation. AMP’s may not be the best methods, but are acceptable. Natural condition – the condition representing chemi- Turbidity – the capacity of materials suspended in cal, physical, and biological characters that occur natu- water to scatter light usually measured in Jackson Aquatic biota – all organisms that, as part of their naturally with only minimal effects from human influences. Turbidity Units (JTU). Highly turbid waters appear ral life cycle, live in or on waters. dark and “muddy.” Non-point source pollution – waste that reaches waters Basin – one of seventeen planning units in Vermont. in a diffuse manner from any source other than a point Water Quality Standards – the minimum or maximum Some basins include only one major watershed after source including, but not limited to, overland runoff limits specified for certain water quality parameters at which it is named such as the White River Basin. Other from construction sites, or as a result of agricultural or specific locations for the purpose of managing waters Basins include two or major watersheds such as the silvicultural practices. to realize their most beneficial uses. In Vermont, Water Poultney, Mettawee. Quality Standards include both Water Classification pH – a measure of the hydrogen ion concentration in Best Management Practices (BMP) – means a prac- Orders and the Regulations Governing Water water on an inverse logarithmic scale ranging from 0 tice or combination of practices that may be necessary, Classification and Control of Quality. to 14. A pH under 7 indicates more hydrogen ions and in addition to any applicable Accepted Agricultural or therefore more acidic solutions. A pH greater than 7 Waters – all rivers, streams, creeks, brooks, reservoirs, Silvicultural Practices (examples of AMPs), to prevent indicates a more alkaline solution. A pH of 7.0 is con- ponds, lakes, springs and all bodies of surface waters, or reduce pollution from non-point source pollution to sidered neutral, neither acidic nor alkaline. artificial or natural, which are contained within, flow a level consistent with State regulations and statutes. through or border upon the State or any portion of it. Regulatory authorities and practitioners generally estab- Point source – any discernable, confined and discrete lish these methods as the best manner of operation. conveyance including but not limited to any pipe, ditch, Watershed – all the land within which water drains to a BMP’s may not be established for all industries or in channel, tunnel, conduit, well, discrete fissure, con- common area (waterbody) agency regulations, but are often listed by professional tainer, rolling stock, concentrated animal feeding opera- associations and regulatory agencies as the best manner tion, landfill leachate collection system, vessel or other of operation for a particular industry practice. floating craft from which either a pollutant or waste is or may be discharged. Classification – a method of designating the waters of the State into categories suitable for different uses in Reference condition – the range of chemical, physi- accordance with the provisions of 10 V.S.A §1253. cal, and biological characteristics of waters minimally affected by human influences. In the context of an Designated use – any value or use, whether presently evaluation of biological indices, or where necessary to occurring or not, that is specified in the management perform other evaluations of water quality, the refer-

Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 77 List of Acronyms Used in this Document

AAP Accepted Agricultural Practice DFPR Vermont Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation AAFM Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency AGC Association of General Contractors FOVLAP Federation of Vermont Lake and Agency Vermont Agency of Natural Pond Associations Resources FWD Vermont Department of Fish and AMP Acceptable Management Practice Wildlife ANCF Aquatic Nuisance Control Fund GIS Geographic Information System ANR Vermont Agency of Natural NPDES National Pollution Discharge Resources Elimination System B1 Class B Water Management Type 1 NPS Nonpoint Source Pollution B2 Class B Water Management Type 2 NRCD Natural Resource Conservation B3 Class B Water Management Type 3 District BASS Biomonitoring and Aquatic Studies NRCS Natural Resource & Conservation Section, Vermont Water Quality Service (Formerly SCS) Division ORW Outstanding Resource Water BMP Best Management Practice RPC Regional Planning Commission CAV Composting Association of Vermont TMDL Total Maximum Daily Load CWA Federal Clean Water Act ACOE United States Army Corp of DEC Vermont Department of Engineers Environmental Conservation USDA United States Department of (WC= watershed coordinator, Agriculture RM= River Management Section, WS=Wetlands Section, LS=Lakes USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Section, SMS=Stormwater Service Management Section, VTDOH Vermont Department of Health WWMD=Wastewater Management Division, WMD=Waste Management VTrans Vermont Agency of Transportation Division, HS=Hydrology Section, VYCC Vermont Youth Conservation Corp PS= Planning Section) WWTF Wastewater Treatment Facility Department Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation

78 Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan Poultney Mettowee Watershed Basin Plan 81 Agency of Natural Resources Department of Environmental Conservation Water Quality Division Waterbury, Vermont 05671-0408

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